11 Mar 2008


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Food costs hit record levels

Industry Statistics

Food Prices

Cheese

Milk

Dairy Products

Food price inflation grew by 8.4% in the year to February 2007, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal.

The ONS blamed rising meat prices for the hike – the highest since 1986 – with fresh and preserved meat costs up 5.5% between January and February.

The cost of cheese and other dairy products is on an upward trend, according to new research into supermarket pricing reported in the Metro newspaper.

The survey shows prices have risen by almost a third in the past two years and Blue Stilton is 41% more expensive than it was a year ago.

Cheese manufacturers are warning that further price rises are on the way.

Nigel White of the Stilton Cheese Makers' Association, said: “What is happening now reflects what happened to milk prices going back 12 weeks.

“If you are selling an 18-month old Cheddar, you can see how there would be further increases in the pipeline.”

The survey also found a basket of milk, butter, cheese and eggs was 19% more expensive than a year ago and 31% more expensive than two years ago.

By Fiona Briggs

Mature cheese prices on the rise

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