Panic Buying of Long-Lasting Milk in Europe
Source: dairynews.today
The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease significantly impacts dairy production in Europe, leading to increased demand for long-life milk.
In an unexpected turn, consumers in Central Europe, particularly Slovakia, have started mass purchasing of long-lasting milk. With rising concerns of a potential dairy shortage, demand has surged, reflecting buyers' panic as they attempt to stay ahead of a supply shortfall.
Experts caution that a mix of health crises and food production disruptions might lead to price hikes and shortages in coming months. The situation in Slovakia has become critical due to an infectious outbreak at a major dairy factory.
According to Jana Holeciová, spokesperson for the Chamber of Agriculture and Food Industry of Slovakia, the foot-and-mouth outbreak at the Baka dairy has resulted in the loss of a third of the country's milk reserves. The ongoing infection could severely curtail milk production if more dairies are affected, thus driving up milk prices, particularly in high-demand periods. Fearing shortages, consumers have begun to over-purchase long-life milk, a less perishable product that can be stored for months.
Supermarket shelves are showing signs of depletion, and fresh milk, a staple in many homes, could see a price rise if the health crisis worsens, leaving consumers searching for alternatives to secure future supply. This crisis extends beyond empty shelves. Slovak consumers allocate a significant portion of their food budget to dairy products, mainly milk-based items like cheese, butter, and yogurt. Around one-fifth of an average 50-euro shopping bill is spent on these products. If milk prices soar, Central European families could face higher monthly expenses, exacerbating global inflation-driven economic challenges.
Experts caution that a mix of health crises and food production disruptions might lead to price hikes and shortages in coming months. The situation in Slovakia has become critical due to an infectious outbreak at a major dairy factory.
According to Jana Holeciová, spokesperson for the Chamber of Agriculture and Food Industry of Slovakia, the foot-and-mouth outbreak at the Baka dairy has resulted in the loss of a third of the country's milk reserves. The ongoing infection could severely curtail milk production if more dairies are affected, thus driving up milk prices, particularly in high-demand periods. Fearing shortages, consumers have begun to over-purchase long-life milk, a less perishable product that can be stored for months.
Supermarket shelves are showing signs of depletion, and fresh milk, a staple in many homes, could see a price rise if the health crisis worsens, leaving consumers searching for alternatives to secure future supply. This crisis extends beyond empty shelves. Slovak consumers allocate a significant portion of their food budget to dairy products, mainly milk-based items like cheese, butter, and yogurt. Around one-fifth of an average 50-euro shopping bill is spent on these products. If milk prices soar, Central European families could face higher monthly expenses, exacerbating global inflation-driven economic challenges.
