EU cheese prices fell 2.3% and butter prices 16.6%

Eurostat published the figures on August 13, covering all 27 European Union countries. The data record changes in consumer prices for goods and services over time through the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).

Cheese prices were 2.3% lower in June 2026 than in June 2025. The category covering butter, together with other oils and fats derived from milk, recorded a 16.6% reduction over the same period.

The figures are compiled using the European Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose, known as ECOICOP. The classification provides the framework for comparing price movements across consumer categories.

Data from Ireland showed similar movements in selected dairy products. Statistics published by Ireland’s Central Statistics Office on August 13 said that the average price of a two-litre container of full-fat milk declined by 9 cents in the year to July 2026.

Over the same period, the average price of a pound of butter dropped by 55 cents. The average price of Irish cheddar cheese decreased by 9 cents per kilogram, according to the CSO’s national average price data for staple goods.

The CSO also reported that Ireland’s Consumer Price Index rose by 3.4% from July 2025 to July 2026, matching the annual inflation rate recorded in June. Excluding energy and unprocessed food, consumer prices increased by 3.2% over the 12 months to July, while prices rose by 0.1% between June and July.

Eurostat produces statistics for EU policy development and monitoring. It works with national statistical authorities to establish common methods and to collect and validate data under EU regulations and standards.