Greece feta cheese prices face surge amid milk shortages

The Greek feta cheese market is facing significant price hikes and supply shortages. Analysts suggest that the cost of feta could reach 16 to 17 euros per kilogram due to a combination of rising production costs and a shrinking supply of raw materials.

A primary driver of this crisis is the reduction in milk production. Livestock diseases, including bluetongue and other ailments, have caused sheep's milk production to drop by an estimated 7% to 8%. Additionally, shortages in goat and sheep milk are impacting the dairy sector.

The situation is further complicated by high export demand. More than 70% of domestic production is destined for international markets, creating a dilemma for producers who must balance fulfilling global contracts with meeting domestic needs. This export priority is contributing to inflationary pressures on Greek retail shelves. Beyond feta, other dairy products such as kefalotyri and kasseri are also expected to see price increases due to the scarcity of raw milk.