In the UK, the pandemic leads to an increase in the consumption of dairy products

In the UK, the pandemic leads to an increase in the consumption of dairy products
Photo is illustrative in nature. From open sources.
In the UK, the pandemic leads to an increase in the consumption of dairy products

Dairy consumption has risen during the pandemic and experts are cautiously optimistic about the future of the UK dairy market.

Speaking during this week's Dairy-Tech Dairy Market Overview online session, Arla Foods' Jonathan Dickson talked about how the increase in people working from home has boosted dairy sales.

“During the crisis, the consumption of dairy products increased,” he said. “The grocery market is booming thanks to huge growth, and the overall growth of the food market is 10%. On the other hand, the catering sector has experienced a downturn due to severe restrictions.”

He said dairy consumption has risen as consumers are taking more care of themselves during lockdown and spending more time at home.

“Cheese consumption increased by 15.7%. Yogurt sales were up 4.1% and butter sales were up 16.1%, particularly block butter sales, as more people started baking at home.”

Rob Hutchinson, Müller's chief operating officer, also points out that the company had strong retail sales during the pandemic.

“I am cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the market. Markets bounced back after March last year, and this year global stocks are lower than we expected." The exception is cream, the prices of which are very different from those in the EU. This is largely due to Brexit and the additional Export Health certificates now required when exporting fresh produce such as cream.

PioneerProduct based on dairyreporter.com

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