Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is more than just a sun-soaked holiday destination. As a member of the European Union since 2004, this island nation blends its rich cultural heritage with modern European identity.
It has a strategic location exactly at the intersection of 3 continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. This made it a crossroads of trade. And today, Cyprus is a proud exporter of some of the Mediterranean’s most beloved consumer products.
For travellers and food enthusiasts, Cyprus offers a unique mix of tradition and innovation. The island’s cuisine and local products are deeply rooted in history, yet they’ve found a firm place in international markets.
Whether it’s the squeaky texture of halloumi on a grill or the bold flavors of Commandaria wine, Cypriot brands are making their mark far beyond their home shores.
Cyprus may be small, but its exports punch above their weight. The island’s family-owned businesses and cooperatives have perfected the art of producing high-quality, traditionally crafted goods that meet modern European standards. Key factors behind their success include:
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for iconic products like Halloumi cheese and Commandaria wine, ensuring authenticity and quality.
- Centuries-old recipes passed down through generations, combined with state-of-the-art production facilities.
- Strategic export focus: Cyprus sends its goods to EU countries, the Middle East, and beyond, with a growing presence in supermarkets and specialty stores.
1. Charalambides Christis – Cyprus’s Largest Halloumi Exporter
As Cyprus’s largest dairy exporter, Charalambides Christis has been a household name since its humble beginnings with a single cow in a family backyard.
Today, it supplies halloumi and other dairy products to 37 countries, with a strong focus on European markets. Their PDO-protected halloumi is a staple in Greek, British, and German supermarkets, prized for its salty, semi-hard texture that holds up perfectly on the grill.
2. Petrou Bros Dairies – The Alambra Halloumi Powerhouse
With over 40 years of experience, Petrou Bros Dairies is a powerhouse in the halloumi export market.
The company exports more than 80% of its production, holding over 30% of Cyprus’s total halloumi exports.
Their Alambra-branded halloumi is a familiar name in European supermarkets, particularly in Greece, Germany, and the UK.
3. KEO – Cyprus’s Most Recognizable Beverage Brand
Founded in 1927, KEO is Cyprus’s most recognizable beverage brand and one of its largest industrial employers.
Originally a wine company, KEO expanded into beer, brandy, spirits, and juices, becoming a publicly listed powerhouse on the Cyprus Stock Exchange. Their Commandaria wine—a sweet dessert wine with PDO status—is a historic export, once favored by medieval royalty.
4. Ambrosia Oils – A Leader in Cypriot Edible Oils
Founded in 1976, Ambrosia Oils is one of Cyprus’s largest and most reputable food manufacturers.
Their extra virgin olive oil is a regional leader in the Middle East and is rapidly expanding into European supermarkets.
The company produces ~200 high-quality products, from cooking oils to private-label goods for international brands. It also was one of the first Cypriot companies to switch to plastic PET bottles, improving shelf life and convenience for export markets.
5. Engino – Cyprus’s STEM Toy Pioneer
Founded in 2004 by Costas Sisamos, Engino is a globally recognized brand specializing in innovative, educational toys that teach children (and adults!) the principles of engineering, mechanics, and architecture.
Their modular construction sets allow for endless creativity, making them a hit in European classrooms and homes. Engino’s products are exported to over 60 countries, with a strong presence in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Engino has won multiple international awards for its educational value and quality, making it one of Cyprus’s most successful non-food exports.
6. Lemba Pottery – Traditional Craftsmanship from Paphos
Cyprus has a rich tradition of pottery-making, and some of its most skilled artisans produce handmade ceramics that are exported to Europe.
Founded by master potter George Georghiades, Lemba Pottery is a family-run workshop that has been producing high-quality, handmade ceramics for decades. George’s father was a potter in the famous Lapithos region, the traditional home of pottery on the island before the Turkish invasion. Unlike traditional Cypriot earthenware (which chips easily), Lemba Pottery uses durable stoneware clay from Europe, ensuring their pieces are both beautiful and functional.
7. Ellia Natural Cosmetics – Pure and Therapeutic Herbal Skincare
Ellia Natural Cosmetics was formed by a Greek Cypriot couple with a firm conviction for natural beauty.
Their products are crafted from pure, natural, and therapeutic herbal ingredients, inspired by the Mediterranean’s rich botanical heritage.
The brand focuses on minimal processing to preserve the potency and benefits of their ingredients, making their skincare line ideal for those seeking gentle yet effective solutions.
8. Cyherbia Botanicals – Nature’s Gift in Every Product
Cyherbia Botanicals is a botanical paradise where Mediterranean herbs are transformed into high-quality natural cosmetics, teas and essential oils.
Their products are handmade from plants, using pure essential oils distilled on-site in their distillation room. The brand’s lavender line, launched during the annual Lavender Festival, is especially popular for its healing and soothing properties. Cyherbia’s cosmetics are designed to nourish, treat, and beautify the skin, leveraging the power of Cyprus’s native flora.
Interestingly, the Cyherbia Botanical Park project has received support and co-funding from the Leader Programme of the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus. This support came from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Agency, which oversees the rural development program.
9. Oros Machaira – 100% Natural Healing Cosmetics
Oros Machaira specializes in 100% natural cosmetics made from bee products and organic ingredients.
Their formulations are designed to heal, regenerate, and rejuvenate the skin, making them ideal for broken skin, scars, burns, irritation, and mature skin. The brand’s commitment to natural and therapeutic skincare has made it a trusted name in Cyprus and beyond, with products that harness the power of Cypriot honey and herbs.
10. Handmade in Cyprus – A Marketplace for Cypriot Artisans
For those looking to explore a wide range of Cypriot-made products in one place, Handmade in Cyprus is a curated online marketplace showcasing unique, high-quality, and affordable creations exclusively handmade in Cyprus.
From artisan jewelry and hand-painted ceramics to organic skincare, leather goods, and home decor, this platform connects buyers directly with local artisans and small businesses.
Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or looking to support Cypriot craftsmanship, Handmade in Cyprus offers a diverse selection of products that embody the island’s creativity, tradition, and quality. The marketplace also ships internationally, making it easy for European consumers to discover and purchase authentic Cypriot goods.
Why You Should Try Cypriot Products
Cyprus may be a small island, but its flavor, tradition, and quality are anything but. Whether you’re grilling halloumi at a summer barbecue, sipping a glass of Commandaria after dinner, or drizzling Cypriot olive oil over a salad, these products bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Next time you’re in a European supermarket, look for the “Made in Cyprus” label and you might just discover your new favorite.
