Karalis Dairy Industry is suspending its acquisition plans for cheese companies due to the spread of infectious diseases affecting livestock, raising concerns about the viability of the industry.
The Karalis Dairy Industry from Epirus, Greece, is halting its plans to acquire cheese companies as the spread of cowpox, along with other zoonotic diseases impacting local sheep and goat farming, creates significant uncertainties regarding the sustainability of the dairy sector. According to Spyros Karalis, the owner of the dairy company, while there has been interest from other cheese firms looking to sell and requesting acquisition, the current health crises have forced them to reconsider their strategies.
During the Food Expo, Karalis highlighted that the paramount concern is ensuring self-sufficiency in milk production, particularly in the face of management challenges posed by disease outbreaks and the subsequent closure of slaughterhouses. This uncertainty has led them to avoid commitments to new clients and focus on maintaining existing operations. Despite these challenges, Karalis expressed optimism about the industry's future potential once the current crises are resolved, particularly in sectors such as feta cheese and yogurt which are traditionally strong markets.
Given the current landscape of animal health issues, Karalis stresses the importance of a rigorous approach to disease management. The ongoing impact of pox, as well as other illnesses such as bluetongue, threatens production and the overall market landscape, inhibiting potential growth and investment opportunities. Karalis remains cautiously hopeful that the dairy sector can recover and thrive post-crisis, but acknowledges that immediate concerns take precedence.
