# Greek dairy: Export growth meets feta supply crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-dairy-industry-production-and-export-trends > Updated: 2026-09-28T06:37:02.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 7. The Greek dairy sector continues to experience a tension between robust international export growth and a deepening domestic supply crisis. While revenues for exports are projected to reach 2 billion euros by 2026—driven by strong yogurt and cheese demand in markets like the UK, Germany, and Italy—the availability of feta cheese is reaching critical levels. Retail prices for feta are projected to surge to between 16 and 17 euros per kilogram. This upward trend is fueled by a sharp decline in sheep and goat milk production, livestock diseases, and rising costs for energy and animal feed. Recent reports indicate that price hikes have already begun as existing stocks are depleted. The shortage is further compounded by agricultural challenges, including issues related to Daniel, as well as outbreaks of blight and mildew, which have contributed to cow's milk shortages. Specific livestock diseases, such as bluetongue, have contributed to an estimated 7% to 8% drop in sheep's milk production. This scarcity is also expected to drive up prices for other dairy products, including kefalotyri and kasseri. As producers prioritize international contracts—with more than 70% of domestic production destined for global markets—a supply squeeze is intensifying in the local Greek market, leading to declining domestic consumption and inflationary pressures on retail shelves. To mitigate the livestock crisis, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food is pursuing plans to restructure farming with a focus on biosecurity and producer support. ## Claims - Feta prices may rise to between €15 and €16 per kilogram, up from the current €12–13 range. (disputed by 13 sources) - Feta prices are expected to rise to between 16 and 17 euros per kilogram. (disputed by 3 sources) - Feta exports have increased by approximately 7% this year despite domestic shortages. (corroborated by 5 sources) - It is estimated that it will take at least two years for milk production to return to pre-disease levels. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Approximately 600,000 livestock animals have been lost due to animal diseases such as sheep pox. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The sheep population in Greece has fallen below 8 million head. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Sheep milk production is estimated to have decreased by approximately 80,000 tonnes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The rise in sheep milk prices is a primary driver of the price increase. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Livestock diseases have caused a significant reduction in milk production. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Feta stocks may not be sufficient to last until the end of 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Approximately 70% of Greek feta production is exported to international markets. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Major export destinations for feta include Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Greece feta cheese prices face surge amid milk shortages Greek feta cheese prices are projected to reach 16-17 euros per kilo as livestock diseases and milk shortages drive up production costs and limit domestic supply. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-feta-cheese-prices-face-surge-toward-16-euros-per-kilo ### 2026-09-24: Greece feta cheese prices projected to reach 17 euros per kg Greek feta prices are expected to hit 16-17 euros per kg due to livestock diseases, rising production costs, and high international demand, which accounts for 70% of total production. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-feta-prices-projected-to-reach-17-euros-per-kg ### 2026-09-23: Greece implements agricultural reforms as feta prices face surge Greece implements new agricultural reforms and higher ELGA compensation limits as feta cheese prices face a projected rise to €15–€16 per kg due to massive livestock losses and high export demand. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/feta-cheese-prices-in-greece-expected-to-rise-amid-livestock-losses ### 2026-09-21: Greece feta reserves face shortage as milk production drops Greek feta reserves are under pressure due to an 80,000-ton drop in sheep milk production and rising exports, with prices potentially reaching 16 euros per kilogram. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-feta-reserves-face-shortage-as-milk-production-drops ### 2026-09-21: Feta cheese prices in Greece may reach €16 per kilo Greek feta prices may rise to €15–16 per kilo due to a severe sheep milk shortage caused by livestock disease and a shrinking sheep population, despite rising international demand. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-feta-cheese-stocks-face-shortage-as-prices-rise ### 2026-09-13: Greek dairy exports projected to reach 2 billion euros in 2026 Greek dairy exports are projected to reach 2 billion euros in 2026, fueled by a massive surge in feta cheese and yogurt sales, with the Netherlands becoming a top market for yogurt. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-dairy-exports-projected-to-reach-2-billion-euros-in-2026 ### 2026-09-04: Greece livestock prices: Dairy trends and rising feed costs Greek livestock producers face rising feed costs and shifting dairy prices. Sheep milk may exceed 2 euros per kilo, while cow milk prices remain higher than the European average. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-livestock-prices-dairy-trends-and-rising-feed-costs --- Cite as: Greek dairy: Export growth meets feta supply crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-dairy-industry-production-and-export-trends