Crisis in the butter market: prices in Ukraine have fallen to a record 30%.

According to ТСН: In the autumn of 2025, the dairy industry in Ukraine faced serious challenges. Many butter-processing plants were forced to suspend production, as doing business 'on stock' became financially risky. For the first time in years, production volumes dropped below usual indicators, and about 10 thousand tons of products accumulated in warehouses without buyers.

Why butter has become unwanted

The main reason for this crisis is a significant decrease in world prices. Since August, dairy fats on global markets have started to cheapen due to overproduction in the USA and New Zealand. For example, on December 2, butter lost more than 12% of its value.

In Europe, prices have also dropped: if in summer a ton cost 8.5 thousand euros, in autumn it was already 5.5 thousand euros.

For Ukrainian producers, this has become a serious blow. The cost price of domestic butter is about 6.5 thousand euros per ton, while in the EU it is sold for 5.7 thousand euros.

“Last year, Ukrainian exporters sold this product to the EU for seven euros per kilogram, now this price does not exceed 4.5 euros,” explains Olena Zupinas, the CEO of the Milk Producers Association.

Companies are not ready to trade at a loss, so exports in October fell by 22%.

What does this mean for prices in stores?

For the average consumer, this situation has turned out to be a pleasant surprise. To sell accumulated stocks and cover 'frozen' money, factories are forced to lower prices on their products.

Supermarkets have already reacted by launching a wave of promotions. According to experts, prices for butter have decreased by 25-30%. For example, a pack of butter with 82.5% fat (180 g), which previously cost more than 150 UAH, can now be found for 100 UAH.

Vadim Chagarovskyi, head of the Union of Dairy Enterprises, predicts that by the end of the year, the price drop may reach 30-35%.

“This price drop is the first in Ukraine in many years, as traditionally prices for dairy products usually rise in autumn and winter,” he noted.

Thus, this winter, butter will be more affordable than last year if the situation on global markets does not change.

It should also be noted that there is a sharp fluctuation in prices for vegetables and fruits in Ukraine. Current prices show a mixed dynamic: some goods are getting more expensive, while others are becoming cheaper.