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Agriculture Minister Announces New Decree On PDO Halloumi Milk Quota

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 9, 2024

In a significant policy shift, Cyprus’ Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced a new decree adjusting the milk quotas to produce Halloumi with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This decree, effective from February 2025, aims to bolster the authenticity and market strength of Cyprus’ primary export product by increasing the goat and sheep milk content from 25% to 30% in the Halloumi mixture.

Addressing Seasonal Variability and Production Standards

The decree marks a pivotal change in the agricultural landscape, reducing seasonality from six to five months and setting an annual average quota of 23% for goat and sheep milk, up from the previous 18%. This adjustment benefits both seasonal and year-round goat and sheep farmers, providing a more stable production environment and aligning with European Union environmental commitments by limiting cow milk usage in Halloumi production.

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Technological Integration for Enhanced Monitoring

The introduction of advanced software for tracking goat and sheep milk, slated for October 2024, signifies a forward-looking approach. This system will gather critical data to inform future quota decisions, ensuring that the decree is data-driven and responsive to production realities.

Financial Incentives and Infrastructure Development

The government has introduced financial measures to support the agricultural sector in tandem with the quota adjustments. These include targeted incentives for increasing goat and sheep milk production, infrastructure improvements, genetic enhancement, and the expansion of production units. Such initiatives are expected to modernise the industry, making it more resilient and competitive.

Strategic Goals and Long-Term Vision

Minister Panayiotou emphasized the decree’s alignment with the broader goals of sustaining PDO Halloumi’s status and ensuring its market strength. The five-year transitional period granted by the European Commission, ending in 2029, allows Cyprus to gradually meet the EU Regulation 2021/591 requirements, which mandate a minimum of 51% goat and sheep milk in Halloumi production.

By actively engaging with stakeholders and implementing these comprehensive measures, Cyprus is set to reinforce its position in the global Halloumi market. This decree is a strategic move towards balancing traditional practices with modern demands, ensuring the long-term viability of an iconic Cypriot product.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.