CHARALAMBIDES CHRISTIS - The New Company
Charalambides Christis, the largest and longest-established dairy company in Cyprus, is the leader in the production and distribution of food products. By preserving the authenticity of flavours, the company consistently offers products of high nutritional value and quality, always in line with international standards of quality and expertise. The quality of Charalambides Christis is internationally recognised, with the company exporting to 37 countries, making it one of the largest exporting companies in Cyprus in the food sector.
Charalambides Christis, apart from being one of the strongest companies in Cyprus, is also distinguished for its Corporate Social Responsibility. Through the company’s programme of social solidarity and active support, “SYMMETOCHI”, it effectively responds to social needs across the whole of Cyprus.
Charalambides Christis was created through the merger of the two largest dairy companies in Cyprus, Charalambides Dairies Ltd and Christis Dairies Ltd.
In December 2011, the company was acquired by the Cypriot businessmen Mr Alexis Charalambides and Mr Menelaos Shiacolas, together with their partners, who obtained 90% of the share capital of Vivartia (Cyprus).
The complete acquisition of the company occurred in November 2014, with Charalambides Christis passing into 100% Cypriot ownership.
The acquisition is the largest ever made in the Cypriot food sector and one of the most significant transactions in Cyprus in recent years.
THE NEW COMPANY - FIGURES
- Turnover: €115 million (2018 Data)
- Local sales: €76 million
- Exports: €40 million in 24 countries worldwide
- More than 700 employees
- Cooperation with 31 of our exclusive cow farmers and more than 100 goat and sheep farmers.
- Annual processing of more than 58 million litres of cow’s milk and 15 million litres of goat’s and sheep’s milk.
The history of Charalambides Dairies
1945. The beginning was made with a single cow in a yard at the Charalambides family home in Agioi Omologites.
1949. Due to expansion, the farm was moved to Acropolis. The family home was converted into a dairy facility. Larger premises were built in Acropolis and the number of cows increased.
1956. The business was renamed Charalambides Dairy Farm.
1957. The pasteurisation method was applied for the first time in Cyprus. The farm was relocated to Lakatamia.
1963. The revolutionary single-use Tetrapak packaging was introduced, in ½ litre and 250 ml triangular packs.
1968. The company was renamed Charalambides Dairies.
1971. The company innovated once again with the introduction of the Gable Top packaging (classic carton packaging) in cooperation with the Norwegian company Elopak. In the same year, Charalambides Dairies moved to new facilities in Lakatamia.
1974. Home delivery was discontinued. Milk became available through the retail trade.
1980. Launch of skimmed milk.
1985. The second generation of the founding family assumed the management of Charalambides.
1990. The company became computerised.
1992–1993. Advertising campaign featuring Vicky Koulianou.
1996. Charalambides was certified with ISO standards.
2000. Charalambides obtained HACCP quality system certification.
2002. Charalambides Dairies was acquired by Delta Food Industries of Greece.
2003. Charalambides milk changed its packaging design and introduced a safety cap on carton packaging.
2005. The 1.5 litre bottle was launched.
2006. The brand was introduced for the first time in a transparent plastic bottle, while in the same year the little cow icon appeared on the milk packaging.
2007. Vivartia announced the submission of a request to the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission to acquire the shares of Christis Dairies. Together with the acquisition of Charalambides Dairies, the new company Vivartia Cyprus Ltd was created.
2008. The first milk packages bearing the name Charalambides Christis were produced, following the merger of the two largest dairy companies in Cyprus, Charalambides Dairies Ltd and Christis Dairies Ltd.
2011. 90% of Vivartia Cyprus Ltd was acquired by companies of the Constantinou Shiacolas Group and the family of Alexis and Elena Charalambides
2013. Charalambides Christis innovated by launching the 2-litre milk packaging with a handle.
In 2013, Charalambides Christis created the “SYMMETOCHI” programme, a social solidarity and practical contribution initiative within the framework of the company’s corporate social responsibility. The programme promotes the values of social contribution and volunteering, implementing them through multi-level projects and activities.
2014. Full acquisition, with Charalambides Christis passing 100% into Cypriot ownership.
2023. The company adopted, one year ahead of its official implementation, the European Directive for the reduction of single-use plastics (SUP). Non-detachable caps were introduced on all fresh milk packaging, while maintaining the important benefits and advantages of fresh milk packs, such as preserving freshness, ensuring product integrity and providing easier use when opening and closing.
2025. 80 years since the first bottle of milk, the company stands as:
-the largest and longest-established dairy company in Cyprus
-the leader in the production and distribution of food products
-one of the largest exporting companies in the food sector, with exports to 32 countries
The history of Christis Dairies
Christis Dairies was founded in 1961 by Mr Christis Georgallides, who established a small milk pasteurisation plant in the centre of Limassol, primarily engaged in milk processing, pasteurisation and bottling. The initial production was approximately 300 bottles per day. Over time, the company adopted pioneering production methods through its modern facilities.
1974. This year marked a milestone in the company’s development, as it established a cheese production unit, meeting the growing demand for these products.
1985. Christis Dairies moved to a new state-of-the-art factory in the Agios Athanasios area of Limassol.
1986. Following the completion of the company’s factory, Christis Dairies expanded into UHT production.
1988. The company launched an important export campaign, with its main products being halloumi, anari and UHT milk.
1995. This year marked an important milestone in the company’s history. Mr Christis Georgallides, recognising the potential of both the sector and the company, allocated 50% of the share capital of Christis Dairies to CTC. The aim of this move was to strengthen the company’s capital base internationally. This development continued in 1997 with the signing of multi-year agreements with the Danish companies NORDEX and EMBROG for the production and annual marketing of halloumi, with main export destinations including the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Lebanon, Germany, Greece, the United States, Sweden and others. The list of export countries continues to expand.
1996. Christis Dairies was certified with the international quality assurance system ISO 9002.
1999. The company established a completely new and state-of-the-art cheese production unit, equipped with high-specification machinery, enabling the production of one of the widest varieties of high-quality cheese products.
A look at our history through the photographic lense
Our packages over the years
