Feta Output Drops by 15,000 Tons After Livestock Disease

Introduction of Feta, 1 of Greece’s astir iconic nutrient exports, is expected to diminution importantly this year owed to reduced sheep beverage output caused by livestock disease.

According to marketplace estimates, feta accumulation fell by astir 10% successful the archetypal two months of 2026 alone, reflecting a driblet successful sheep beverage supply. On an yearly basis, total accumulation losses are projected to scope astir 15,000 tons.

Stockpiles Cushion Market Impact

Despite the decline, the marketplace is not facing contiguous shortages. Industry sources enactment that dairy producers typically support reserves of 20,000 to 30,000 tons of feta successful acold storage, which are presently being used to offset the reduced output.

However, if the situation persists for respective much months, large producers whitethorn look hard decisions implicit whether to prioritize home supply oregon support strong export flows.

Exports are expected to stay a priority, arsenic feta continues to beryllium 1 of Greece’s astir successful and dynamic nutrient products internationally.

Disease Impact connected Livestock

The driblet successful beverage accumulation is linked to a livestock illness that affected Greek sheep farming passim 2025, starring to the nonaccomplishment of much than 400,000 animals. While lone a constricted fig of cases person been recorded so acold successful 2026 owed to stricter controls, concerns remain—particularly up of the Easter period.

At the aforesaid time, producers are holding backmost much young animals for breeding, aiming to boost beverage accumulation aboriginal successful the year.

Rising Costs and Market Pressures

The reduced supply has already pushed up the producer price of sheep milk, present averaging astir €1.60 per kilogram, with some cases exceeding that level.

The interaction is besides expected to beryllium felt successful the seasonal nutrient market, with home supply of lamb and goat limited. Retail prices are forecast to transcend €15 per kilogram, while imports are apt to screen overmuch of the demand.

Source: tovima.com