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German Farmers Demand Review of Butter Price Cuts as Discounters Defend €0.99 Packs

Farm groups urge scrutiny of discount butter after retailers point to lower raw‑milk costs plus improved yields.

Overview

  • Brandenburg farmers' president Henrik Wendorff calls 40% markdowns on staples such as butter 'loss leaders' rather than normal market moves.
  • Protesting farmers targeted several discounters in mid‑December over price cuts for milk and butter they say shift pressure onto producers.
  • Lidl says the reductions reflect cheaper world‑market milk, larger deliveries to dairies, and higher fat content that boosts butter output.
  • Wendorff urges the Federal Cartel Office to review butter pricing, while the Bavarian Farmers’ Association says it wants the prices examined.
  • Wendorff argues €0.99 retail pricing fails to cover costs for dairies or farms and criticizes Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer for offering 'few impulses'.