Shift to value-for-money products puts pressure on brands, says NDC

MILK and dairy products are not very adversely affected in volume terms during times of recession with a reversal to home cooking and more in-home entertaining, the National Dairy Council (NDC) stressed yesterday.

It said the €1.1 billion milk, butter and cheese markets in Ireland grew in value and volume terms in 2008, which was extremely positive, but the key issue was who was benefiting from the growth?

NDC chief executive Helen Brophy said private label growth at multiple and discounter level are having a major impact on market share and value.