In a live program on Breakfast with 1+1, they discussed the current topic of dairy prices.
Hanna Lavreniuk, Director General of the Association of Milk Producers, noted that there are no factors that could lead to a significant reduction in the price of dairy products, so dairy prices may rise in 2024 within the inflation rate. In particular, prices may rise for fermented dairy products (kefir, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese), as well as hard and semi-hard cheeses.
"The cost of dairy products on the shelves of domestic stores in 2023 increased by 7-10% compared to 2022 (which is within the inflation rate), with butter rising the most - by 40%. One of the reasons for the rise in price is a significant shortage of raw milk, which resulted in a 14% increase in the average annual purchase price of raw milk compared to 2022. During the two years of hostilities, the livestock industry suffered losses of almost $3 billion (destroyed dairy farms, destroyed agricultural machinery and animals, etc.), which significantly undermined the industry's potential. Rising prices for production inputs (fuel, fertilizers, electricity, veterinary drugs, seeds, plant protection products, agricultural machinery and components, etc.) have significantly increased the cost of raw milk.
Despite such difficult conditions, in 2023, dairy farms managed to reach the pre-war level of raw milk supplies for processing only due to an increase in milk yields. Unfortunately, this increase could not compensate for the decline in production in the household sector, which led to a significant shortage. Given the situation in the industry, prices for milk and dairy products may continue to rise through 2024. The increase is expected to be within the inflation rate and will be up to 10%," said Hanna Lavreniuk.
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers