Dairy products 'good value for British consumers'

Dairy UK, the trade association that represents the dairy industry, said today that dairy products in the UK are extremely good value for consumers.

Responding to today's OFT announcement on fines imposed on supermarkets and dairy processors in relation to price collusion, Jim Begg, Director General of Dairy UK, said: "The OFT investigation refers to events five years ago and any price rises then reflected the major cost and income difficulties being encountered by dairy farmers.

"It was an exceptionally difficult time for farmers and there were protests about the prices that were being paid to them. There was widespread acceptance at that time that the UK's farmers should get a better deal.

"Dairy prices for consumers in the UK over the last 10 years have been extremely competitive and remain so. Price rises have generally been below the rate of inflation and dairy products continue to be very good value."