DairyCo

UK Dairy Imports

Published 17 May 12

UK Dairy Imports

• Imports of Cheddar in February were lower than a year earlier, by 4,159 tonnes (37.3%). 

• Imports of Speciality Cheese in February 2012 fell by 1,115 tonnes (4.8%) compared with a year earlier.  

• Butter imports in February 2012 were 135 tonnes (3.0%) higher than in the corresponding month a year earlier, at 4,596 tonnes. 

Note: All data subject to retrospective changes. There may be marginal differences in percentages due to figures being rounded up or down.

Imports of Cheddar in February were lower than a year earlier, by 4,159 tonnes (37.3%). Cumulatively between January and February 2012, imports of Cheddar were lower than the same period in 2011 by 7,765 tonnes (36.3%). The reduction in cumulative imports is on account of a reduction in imports from Ireland.  Jan-Feb 2012 imports were just under 10,000 tonnes compared with 17,000 tonnes in the same period last year.

Imports of Speciality Cheese in February 2012 fell by 1,115 tonnes (4.8%) compared with a year earlier. Cumulatively between January and February 2012, imports were 1,503 tonnes (3.2%) down on 2011. Over this period, imports from selected countries were down with the exception of France and the Netherlands with imports increasing by 7.9% and 41.3% respectively. By category, the only real increase came from Brie/Camembert imports, cumulatively up by 12.7% compared to 2011.

Butter imports in February 2012 were 135 tonnes (3.0%) higher than in the corresponding month a year earlier, at 4,596 tonnes. Cumulatively between January and February 2012, imports are 334 tonnes (3.9%) below 2011 levels. Cumulative butter imports (Jan-Feb 12) from Ireland increased by 5% compared to the previous period last year while imports from NZ/Denmark* decreased over the same period. 

For more information on UK Dairy Imports please click here

*Note: Butter imported from Denmark includes Anchor butter from New Zealand which is actually channelled via Denmark.