Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The Butter and Cheese Production industry has come close to melting away over the past five years. Growing pressure from imports, rising input prices and the economic downturn have turned up the heat. Fortunately, the unerring popularity of Cheddar cheese, along with carefully delivered product innovation and industry consolidation, has extended the industry's shelf life. In the five years through 2012-13, industry revenue is estimated to grow by an annualised 0.5% to total £2.88 billion, with a 2.0% increase expected in 2012-13.
The industry has been forced to contend with milk prices, characterised by both volatility and general incline. This affected profitability and supported a coinciding trend of increased cheese imports... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Analysis Chapter
Evolving from a premium European delicacy, cheese has grown to become one of the most dynamic sectors in the dairy market. Butter is relatively constant in supply format, and has experienced strong competition from low-fat margarine spreads as a result of the trend towards health consciousness. In the United Kingdom, Cheddar cheese remains the undisputed favourite industry product among consumers, and is available in over 250 varieties. However, over the past five years the dairy industry has been faced with a turbulent climate, with highly volatile milk prices, a recessive economy and changing consumer needs. This has favoured foreign cheeses, providing different tastes and prizing demand away from the domestic industry... purchase to read more