Dairy sector ‘shows resilience’ in tough market

THE €1 billion retail dairy sector proved to be resilient last year as the recession forced consumers to tighten their belts on spending.

According to the National Dairy Council annual report and outlook, milk and dairy products succeeded in sustaining or even improving volume sales in 2009 despite a difficult year for the grocery sector.

Milk volumes increased by 1% on 2008, but the sales value were down 4.9%, excluding those through independents and doorsteps.