The British Cheddar cheese retail market has seen a sharp decrease, down £50million for the 52 week period ending 6 November 2016, according to new figures.
For the 52 week period, the average GB retail price for cheese stood at £6.25/kg down 3.7% on the previous year. The volume of cheese sold has increased across all cheese markets, most significantly in the soft continental category which increased by 11.9%.
Increases in the volume of cheese over the year have been offset by lower average prices meaning that there has been little value growth in the overall cheese market.
The Cheddar market has seen a stronger decrease in average prices, down 5.2%, compared to only a 1.6% increase in volume sales. This has resulted in the Cheddar market losing just over £50m in value compared with the same period last year.
Cheddar, which holds the biggest share of the cheese market, has been particularly hard hit by continuing falling prices. Volume sales grew by 1.6%, but the falling price (-5.1% year-on-year), means that the market for this cheese type is worth £50 million less.
British people are increasingly turning to soft Continental cheeses, which saw double-digit volume growth and 8% value growth.
What can you do to back British dairy farmers?
Keep buying more British dairy products, especially by choosing British cheeses, yoghurts and butter. If you don't see these British products clearly on the shelves then ask for them.
Be informed and speak to a shop manager if you are unsure about the products you are buying. The same is true for food services.
When dining out in restaurants or cafes keep an eye open for British food on the menu and don't hesitate to ask your favourite eateries to support British dairy farmers by serving fresh British products.
