Cheese factories in Cyprus that have still to join the island’s certification system for the production of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) halloumi are still able to export it to countries even within the EU.
And all this with the blessing of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Philenews reported on Tuesday.
This is a contradiction in terms because in Cyprus the PDO and trademark protection which was an EU prerequisite is mandatory on all halloumi cheese which is on the shelves. And that’s the reason the price of the local product has risen by 20%.
Philenews also reports that products that previously bore the name “halloumi” but did not meet the specifications are now sold in Cyprus under the label “Cypriot white cheese that can be grilled”.
But, overseas, these same products still bear the “halloumi” label even though the grace period given for all to be carrying the PDO sign has expired.
