Milk shortage limits production of Greece’s famous Naxos Graviera cheese

Production of the well-known Greek cheese Naxos Graviera is declining due to a shortage of milk on the island of Naxos. The lack of raw material is already limiting available volumes and exports of the product, which TasteAtlas named the world’s best cheese in 2025.

Naxos Graviera has held Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 1996 and is exported to around 20 countries. It is made from local cow’s milk or a blend of cow, sheep and goat milk.

The dairy plant operated by the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos produces around 1.2–1.25 thsd tons of Graviera annually, of which about 100 tons are exported. The plant also ships around 250 tons of other local cheeses abroad each year.

Producers estimate that sales of Naxos Graviera could be two to three times higher, but lower milk production is preventing further expansion. High feed costs and the expense of transporting feed to the island remain the main challenges for local livestock farmers.

Industry representatives say supporting dairy farming on Naxos is essential to maintaining cheese production. A further decline in livestock numbers and milk output could place even greater pressure on production and exports of this PDO-protected product.

Tags: dairy products, Milk, Greece, Cheese