Greek and Cypriot cheeses such as feta and halloumi have to become the UK’s fastest growing cheese variety, according to new data from Kantar Worldpanel. The study found that sales of halloumit have surged up 35% in the last year, while feta has recorded sales of 15% in the UK market.

Commenting on the report, Tesco noted that “demand has really been boosted by celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay who have featured these cheeses on their TV shows and in their recipe books. These programmes have helped demonstrate the versatility of these cheeses which are now often used in cooking to make pizzas, pies and lasagne as well as making great toppings for pasta dishes.”

The retailer added that another reason for the growth has been the popularity of Greece and Cyprus as holiday destinations which are visited by more than two million Brits each year