Dairy market prospects continue to improve

THE market outlook for dairy products this year is relatively positive after a slow start, Food Minister Brendan Smith declared when he presented Glanbia with the NDC Read Cup for producing the best butter in Ireland at its Ballyragget plant in Co Kilkenny.

He said the price for skim milk powder remains high, largely due to the restricted supply of EU product, and EU cheese exports continue to perform very well.

“Most commentators expect continued stability in butter prices. However, the relatively high stocks of intervention butter in the EU will limit any price increase,” he said.