The Irish milk supply increased by 1,5% in September compared to last year. An upward trend can also be seen in the United Kingdom, the British 'Milk Your Moments' campaign and the corona crisis are giving a positive boost to milk sales.
In Ireland, milk production amounts to 753 thousand kilos. Compared to last year, that is a plus of 1,5%. Since April there has been a higher supply compared to 2019, although the increase is smaller than in previous months. In August, milk production was still 2,9% higher. The difference with the 5-year average is also becoming smaller. The current level is 7,2% above the 5-year average, compared to 7,9% in August.
United Kingdom
British dairy farmers managed to produce 1.200 million kilos of milk in September. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 0,7%. It is the first time since May that milk production has exceeded last year's level. Milk production has been above the 5-year average for a number of months, but that difference is also increasing this month. In August the difference was 0,9%, but in September production was 2% higher.
Campaign gets results
In the meantime, the British 'Milk Your Moments' campaign is bearing fruit. The campaign, launched in May, aims to encourage the consumption of milk and other dairy products. Milk Your Moments was shared on social media, websites, supermarket billboards and, for the first time in 20 years, through television advertising. The results show that approximately 212.000 more consumers have purchased milk, which equates to an increase in sales of 11,2 million liters of additional milk.
In addition, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (ADHB) reports that the corona crisis is also affecting dairy consumption. During the corona crisis, there has been more money spent on meat and dairy products. Retail cheese sales have increased 16,5% in the past 6 months, according to the study. Butter sales increased by 23,6% and cream sales increased by as much as 31,8%.