Odysea’s Greek Saganaki cheese secures Waitrose listing

Greek food brand Odysea has launched its authentic Saganaki Kefalotyri cheese in outlets of supermarket chain Waitrose, as it seeks to build upon the popularity of Cypriot halloumi.

Saganaki is an authentic Kefalotyri cheese, traditionally dipped in flour and then fried. Made using sheep’s and goat’s milk, it has a much richer flavour than halloumi and, when cooked, becomes soft inside and crispy on the outside. The cheese is often cooked in Greek homes with eggs, and eaten straight from the pan.

Waitrose has become the first supermarket to exclusively stock Odysea Saganaki Kefalotyri, which is packaged in 200g formats with a recommended retail price of £3.50.

Waitrose cheese buyer Chris Dawson said: “With an intensely rich, cooked flavour, Saganaki is delicious grilled, fried or barbecued and we’re expecting Waitrose customers to welcome it to their repertoire.

“Halloumi was almost unknown in the UK until a couple of decades ago, but it is now one of the nation’s favourite cheeses. Long hailed as a great vegetarian option by chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater and Nigella Lawson, with sales up 56% at Waitrose, we’re predicting the more flavoursome Saganaki will build upon the popularity of halloumi, proving a hit with our customers. “