Turkish Cypriot halloumi producer seeks PDO certification

A second Turkish Cypriot halloumi producer in the north is undergoing evaluations to receive a PDO certificate, according to the Turkish Cypriot chamber of commerce (KTTO).

According to statements made by KTTO on Thursday, the business under consideration is Arden Gida Ltd and another two to three companies are in the process of filing applications.

Highlighting the disparity between the two communities, it was noted that in 2021 the north exported $37 million of halloumi while the state-controlled areas exported $262m.

In March, the European Commission said it had awarded the first PDO certificate for halloumi (or hellim in Turkish) to a Turkish Cypriot producer.

The checks for PDO status are being carried out by Bureau Veritas, an internationally accredited body delegated to perform the related official controls throughout the island.

Elsewhere, the KTTO explained that trade through the Green Line is increasing with a rise from €6.1m in 2021 up to €14.7m in 2022.