it.euronews.com
Global Milk Shortage Drives 19% Surge in European Butter Prices
A global milk shortage caused by reduced production (due to drought, disease, and decreased profitability), increased energy costs, and higher demand has led to a 19 percent average increase in butter prices across the EU between October 2023 and October 2024, with some countries seeing increases as high as 49 percent.
- What are the primary causes of the recent sharp increase in butter prices across Europe, and what are the immediate consequences for consumers?
- European butter prices surged 19 percent on average from October 2023 to October 2024, reaching increases of 49 percent in Slovakia and 40 percent in Germany and the Czech Republic. In Germany, a 250-gram package now costs €2.40-€4. This is due to a global milk shortage impacting production in key exporting countries like the US and New Zealand.
- How have different European countries been affected by the butter price increase, and what measures have governments taken to address the issue?
- The global milk shortage stems from decreased production caused by factors including reduced profitability for dairy farmers, increased energy costs from the war in Ukraine, drought, and a blue tongue disease outbreak. This shortage is amplified in Europe because of higher butter fat content and standard packaging sizes, preventing cost-hiding shrinkflation.
- What are the long-term implications of this butter price surge for the European food industry, and what broader economic and political consequences might it have?
- The butter price crisis presents a multifaceted challenge. While some countries like Poland are releasing strategic reserves, the situation reveals vulnerabilities in global food supply chains and the political sensitivity of food price inflation, particularly as it impacts lower-income consumers. This underscores the need for resilient agricultural policies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the butter price increase as a significant hardship, particularly for Polish consumers. The inclusion of a personal anecdote from a Polish pensioner and the emphasis on the political implications in Poland contribute to this framing. While the global shortage is acknowledged, the narrative emphasizes the impact on Polish consumers and the political fallout more than the global aspects of the crisis.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language when describing the impact on consumers, referring to "hardship" and the difficulty for pensioners to afford butter and medicine. Phrases like "things are getting harder" add a tone of desperation. More neutral language could be used, such as "economic strain" instead of "hardship.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the situation in Poland and France, giving less attention to the broader European context. While it mentions other countries' experiences with butter price increases, it lacks a comprehensive overview of the varying impacts across the EU. The article also omits discussion of potential government interventions or subsidies in different countries beyond Poland's release of butter from reserves. Finally, it does not analyze the role of retailers and supermarkets in price setting or their contribution to the price increases.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implicitly framing the choice as either butter or margarine, particularly in the context of Polish consumers reducing butter consumption due to price. This ignores the possibility of other alternatives or adjustments in dietary habits.
Gender Bias
The article features a female Polish consumer expressing concern about the price of butter. While this adds a human element, it's the only instance where a consumer's gender is explicitly mentioned. There is no overt gender bias in the sourcing of expert opinions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The significant increase in butter prices, especially in countries like Poland, impacts food affordability and access, potentially leading to reduced consumption among vulnerable populations like the elderly. This directly affects the ability of low-income households to maintain a nutritious diet, thus hindering progress towards Zero Hunger.