Halloumi cheese: The Cypriot grilling staple

Halloumi, a traditional Cypriot cheese, has gained global popularity as a staple for summer grilling due to its high melting point. Unlike soft cheeses such as Camembert or Gouda, halloumi maintains its shape when placed directly on a grill grate, allowing the exterior to caramelize while the interior remains juicy.

Produced from a blend of sheep, goat, and sometimes cow milk, the cheese often includes mint as a key ingredient. The production process involves heating whey to high temperatures, which creates its characteristic firm, layered structure.

In Cyprus, Alambra Petrou Bros Dairy Products is a major supplier for the European market, processing approximately 280,000 liters of milk daily. The logistics of exporting the fresh product involve temperature-controlled containers transported from production sites to the port of Limassol for international distribution.