Sweet Mizithra Naxou Pittara is a traditional fresh, soft whey cheese produced by Pittaras Dairy in Melanes, on the island of Naxos, Greece. It is part of the island’s longstanding cheesemaking tradition and represents the fresh, delicate side of Pittaras Dairy’s range.
It is produced from whey with the addition of a small quantity of cow’s milk, resulting in a soft texture and a fresh, pleasantly mild and slightly sweet flavour. Its delicate profile makes it highly versatile: it can be enjoyed on its own, served with honey, nuts or preserves, added to salads, or used as an ingredient in traditional pies and desserts. It is particularly well suited to sweet preparations, where its gentle dairy character complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients.
Sweet Mizithra Naxou Pittara has been recognized through platforms and institutions including International Taste Institute, Mediterranean Taste Awards, Excellent Taste Awards MTA London, Taste Olymp Awards and the Athens Fine Food Awards (AFFA). Sweet Mizithra Naxou Pittara was selected among the “Top 50 Cheeses” by Agroktima magazine and received a Silver Award at the Excellent Taste Awards 2026. It remains an important part of Pittaras Dairy’s traditional Naxian cheese range, preserving a product closely associated with the island’s home cooking and culinary heritage.
Producer
Graviera Pittara is a family-owned dairy and cheese producer based in Melanes, Naxos, Greece. Its roots in livestock farming date back to 1970, while the family established its dairy and cheesemaking operation in 2009.
The company’s philosophy is built around a vertically integrated production model described as “From Seed to Shelf”. The “From Seed to Shelf” philosophy also reflects a circular approach to production, connecting farming, livestock and cheesemaking while making responsible use of resources and reducing waste wherever possible.
Graviera Pittara manages the key stages of its production chain, from cultivating and selecting feed for its animals and caring for its own dairy herd, to milk production, cheesemaking, maturation and distribution. This allows the family to maintain close control over the origin and quality of its raw materials and over every stage that shapes the final product. The farm uses certified non-GMO animal feed and has also received Animal Welfare certification, reflecting the company’s focus on responsible livestock farming. At the heart of its range is Graviera Naxou PDO Pittara, made from fresh pasteurized cow’s milk and matured for a minimum of 90 days, alongside longer-aged Graviera, Kefalotyri, Anthotyro, Xinotyro and other cheeses rooted in the cheesemaking tradition of Naxos.
Today, Graviera Pittara has grown into one of the leading cheese producers in the Cyclades while remaining closely connected to Naxos, its agricultural community and its family origins. Its products are available through a growing network of retailers, food-service businesses and partners, serving consumers both in Greece and abroad. Looking ahead, the company’s goal is to continue developing its presence in international markets while remaining committed to the same principles on which it was built: control from seed to shelf, respect for the land and animals, continuous improvement, and the production of genuine Graviera Naxou PDO and high-quality Naxian dairy products.