Greece’s dairy exports are gaining momentum in 2026, led by a sharp rise in Greek yogurt shipments and continued growth in cheese exports. The expansion highlights growing international demand for protein-rich cultured dairy products and traditional Greek cheeses, even as the country’s domestic livestock sector faces significant supply pressures.
Greek yogurt exports recorded particularly strong growth during the first six months of 2026. Export values rose 37.9% year-on-year to €362 million, compared with €262.3 million during the same period in 2025.
The increase was also reflected in shipment volumes. Yogurt exports rose from 114,344 tonnes in the first half of 2025 to 157,100 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2026. The growth points to expanding adoption of strained, protein-dense cultured dairy products across both retail and foodservice channels.
While traditional Mediterranean markets remain important destinations for Greek yogurt, demand is also expanding into newer markets. The Netherlands has emerged as the third-largest global destination for authentic Greek yogurt, highlighting the category’s increasing reach beyond its traditional consumer base.
Cheese Exports Continue to Grow
Greek cheese exports are also expected to contribute significantly to the country’s dairy trade performance. Total cheese export turnover is projected to approach €1.2 billion for the full calendar year.
During the first half of 2026, cheese exports increased 9.3% in value to €589 million, with shipments reaching 75,055 tonnes.
Feta remains the best-known Greek cheese internationally and continues to serve as a major export product. However, the composition of Greek cheese exports is becoming increasingly diversified.
Feta now represents approximately half of outbound cheese shipments, while hard and semi-hard regional varieties account for much of the remainder. Cheeses such as graviera, kasseri and kefalotyri are finding greater interest among international consumers seeking traditional and artisanal dairy products.
| Category | H1 2025 | H1 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt export value | €262.3 million | €362 million | +37.9% |
| Yogurt export volume | 114,344 tonnes | 157,100 tonnes | Strong increase |
| Cheese export value | — | €589 million | +9.3% |
| Cheese export volume | — | 75,055 tonnes | — |
Livestock Challenges Create Supply Pressure
The strong export performance, however, comes against a difficult backdrop for Greece’s domestic livestock industry.
Outbreaks of sheep pox have affected the country’s sheep population, resulting in mandatory animal culls and restrictions on repopulation under European Union animal health containment measures.
The losses are expected to reduce national Feta production by approximately 10,000 tonnes this year. This creates a potential supply challenge for a product that remains one of Greece’s most important dairy exports.
The pressure is also being reflected in raw milk prices. Sheep milk prices have increased to between €1.60 and €1.70 per kilogram, while processors are paying approximately €0.53 per kilogram for bovine milk. These costs place additional pressure on dairy processors as they attempt to meet both domestic and international demand.
Export Growth Meets Domestic Supply Constraints
Greece’s dairy sector therefore faces a contrasting situation. International demand is expanding rapidly, particularly for Greek yogurt, while supply-side constraints are affecting the livestock base that supports important dairy categories.
For processors, maintaining export growth will require balancing strong international demand with higher raw material costs and potential limitations in milk availability.
The diversification of cheese exports could provide another avenue for growth, particularly as international consumers increasingly seek regional and artisanal products beyond established categories such as Feta.
At the same time, Greek yogurt’s rapid export growth demonstrates the potential for value-added dairy products to strengthen the country’s position in global dairy markets.
The coming months will be critical for determining whether Greece can maintain its export momentum while managing livestock losses, rising milk procurement costs and pressure on Feta production.
For the Greek dairy industry, the opportunity is clear: global demand is growing. The challenge will be ensuring that domestic milk supply and processing economics can keep pace.
