The Price Surge
Butter prices have escalated across , with a notable 19% average increase in the from October 2023 to October 2024, affecting countries like , , and the most.
The price hike is attributed to a global milk shortage, influenced by declining production in major butter-exporting countries, and exacerbated by the war in and post-pandemic inflation.
Culinary and Consumer Impact
Bakers like Arnaud Delmontel in resist substituting butter with margarine despite the cost, emphasizing the importance of butter in traditional pastries.
In Poland, the government has intervened by releasing frozen butter from strategic reserves to stabilize prices, highlighting the ingredient's critical role in the diet and economy.