The foot-and-mouth outbreak that led to the culling of 13,000 animals will not create a meat shortage in Cyprus, according to the President of the Cyprus Consumers Association, Marios Drousiotis.
In statements to CNA, Drousiotis said he does not expect any shortage in the market or a reason for price increases, although he acknowledged that halloumi PDO production may face some challenges.
Halloumi production concerns
Drousiotis stressed that dairy factories already hold large stocks of halloumi, which will help offset any temporary reduction in milk production.
However, he warned that producers may face difficulties with Halloumi PDO, as the product requires higher quantities of sheep and goat milk.
He explained that milk from animals that will either receive vaccinations or be culled will not remain in production, which may affect output. Even so, he does not foresee price increases for halloumi at this stage.
Limited impact on Easter meat supply
Referring to the 13,000 sheep and goats to be culled, Drousiotis noted that this represents roughly 1–1.5% of the total small ruminant population in Cyprus.
He said he does not expect meat prices to rise before Easter and sees no justification for increases.
However, he indicated that some gap may emerge during Easter regarding lamb availability. Farms may choose to retain a significant number of lambs to rebuild their livestock, rather than send them to slaughter for the Easter market.
Imports to stabilise prices
Drousiotis said Cyprus can import lamb from Greece to cover any shortfall. As a result, he does not expect a shortage.
He noted, however, that imported lamb typically costs €1–2 more per kilo than local lamb, which may lead to some price differentiation during Easter, particularly for lamb prepared for the traditional souvla.
Market dynamics to protect consumers
For his part, Andreas Chatziadamou, Executive Secretary of the Pancyprian Supermarkets Association, said supermarkets have not observed any serious problems so far.
He expressed hope that authorities will contain the foot-and-mouth outbreak through appropriate measures to prevent further spread.
Chatziadamou confirmed that the culling will affect the supply of sheep and goat meat. However, he noted that the country is currently in the Lent period, when demand for meat remains limited.
When asked about prices ahead of Easter, he said it is still too early to draw conclusions, stressing that supermarkets do not exploit such events but instead monitor developments closely.
He underlined that the retail sector remains highly competitive and said it would be premature to predict how prices will develop.
If necessary, he added, supermarkets will take appropriate steps, including meat imports, to limit any significant price increases.
He also said that imported meat, particularly from Greece and neighbouring countries, often costs less than local meat and can help bring prices down.
“The market’s dynamics will once again operate in favour of the consumer,” he said, expressing confidence that effective measures will contain the outbreak without long-term consequences.
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