Cyrpus is on a drive to secure halloumi cheese’s designated status in the EU against the British government’s decision to support U.K. halloumi producers. London wants to cash in on the name halloumi that it would not be allowed to use if Cyprus producers are successful in getting protected status for their produce.
Euripides Evriviades, the Cypriot High Commissioner in London, said that Cypriots, Turkish and Greek, intend to fight “to the bitter end to secure our halloumi hellim, a truly Cyprus product.”
Halloumi is a cheese made from sheep and goat milk. It can be grilled, even fried, without melting but it tastes delicious raw.
The product is now a symbol for Cyprus, bringing together both Greke and Turkish Cypriots on the island that has been divided since 1974 after a Turkish invasion. The two communities are adversaries, but they are united when it comes to Halloumi. A joint application was filed to the EU so that halloumi can enjoy the same “protected designation of origin” (PDO) status as champagne or Cornish pasties.