Dairy prices in Ukraine primarily rose due to higher logistics costs, increasing energy prices, and intensified export activity.
Pasteurized milk (up to 2.6% fat) in film packaging costs an average of 48.86 UAH/kg, up 0.99 UAH (+2.1%) from the previous month and 1.77 UAH (+3.8%) higher than the same period last year. The least expensive 900g film-packed milk is the "Adalis" brand at 41.99 UAH/kg, while the most expensive is "Yagotynske" at 57.77 UAH/kg.
Pasteurized milk (up to 2.6% fat) in plastic bottles costs an average of 66.86 UAH/kg, representing a 0.93 UAH (+1.4%) increase from last month and a 4.43 UAH (+7%) increase year-on-year. The cheapest 870g plastic bottles are sold under the "Metro" private label at 51.61 UAH/kg, while the most expensive is "Halychyna" at 72.73 UAH/kg.
Kefir (2.5% fat) in film packaging costs an average of 58.52 UAH/kg, which is 1.62 UAH (-2.7%) lower than a month ago but 3.79 UAH (+7%) higher than last year. The cheapest 900g package is the "Auchan" brand at 46.56 UAH/kg. The highest price was recorded for "Halychyna" kefir in 900g film (63.71 UAH/kg).
Kefir (2.5% fat) in plastic bottles averages 78.10 UAH/kg, down 0.10 UAH (-0.1%) from last month, yet 2.88 UAH (+4%) higher than last year. The least expensive "Radymo" kefir in 870g bottles costs 68.85 UAH/kg, while the most expensive product in similar packaging from "Molokia" costs 80.34 UAH/kg.
Sour cream (15% fat) in cups costs an average of 190.59 UAH/kg, up 0.72 UAH (+0.4%) from the previous month and 3.82 UAH/kg (+2%) year-on-year. The cheapest 300g cups are under the "Auchan" label (142.67 UAH/kg), while the most expensive is "Organic Milk" at 221.30 UAH/kg.
Sour cream (15% fat) in film packaging averages 151.67 UAH/kg, down 0.70 UAH (-0.46%) from last month but up 10.53 UAH (+7%) year-on-year. The cheapest 350g pack is "Kagma" (128.86 UAH/kg), and the most expensive is "Selyanske" (175.64 UAH/kg).
The average price for drinking yogurt (1.6% to 2.8% fat) in plastic bottles was 124.35 UAH/kg, up 4.20 UAH (+3.5%) from last month and 9.88 UAH (+9%) higher year-on-year. The cheapest 250–260g bottles are "Mukko" (111.60 UAH/kg), while the most expensive is "Molokia" (135.60 UAH/kg).
Spoonable yogurt (1.6% to 2.8% fat) in cups averages 163.20 UAH/kg, up 6.74 UAH (+4.3%) from the previous month and 5.04 UAH (+3%) year-on-year. In 280g cups, "Selyanskyi" is the cheapest (133.57 UAH/kg), and "Ferma Turkish-style" is the most expensive (175.71 UAH/kg).
Cottage cheese (9% fat) costs an average of 292.31 UAH/kg, representing a 4.05 UAH (+1%) increase from last month and an 11.56 UAH (+4%) increase year-on-year. In 350g packs, the cheapest is the "Ukrainskyi" label (239.71 UAH/kg), while "Yagotynskyi" is the most expensive (287.95 UAH/kg).
Butter (72.5% to 73% fat) of domestic production averages 585.51 UAH/kg, up 11.63 UAH (+2%) from last month and 11.14 UAH (+2%) higher than last year. Among Ukrainian brands in 180g packs, "Auchan" was the cheapest at 477.22 UAH/kg, while "Bilo" had the highest price at 736.11 UAH/kg.
"Lustdorf" butter (72.5% fat) in 180g packs costs 633.67 UAH/kg, showing a marginal monthly increase of 0.11% and 0.1% year-on-year. Imported President butter costs 960.00 UAH/kg, which is 64% more expensive than Ukrainian-made products.
"Ukrainskyi" cheese (50% fat) averages 608.80 UAH/kg. Compared to last month, it rose by 3.15 UAH (+0.5%), but has increased by 56.82 UAH (+10%) year-on-year. In 1kg formats, the cheapest is bulk "Ukrainskyi" hard cheese at 342.05 UAH/kg, while "Zvenyhora" is the most expensive at 620.58 UAH/kg.
"Gouda" cheese (45% fat) from Ukrainian companies averages 587.73 UAH/kg, down 23.21 UAH (-4%) from last month and 17.77 UAH (-3%) cheaper year-on-year. The cheapest 1kg format is "Radymo" at 457.70 UAH/kg, with "Komo" being the most expensive at 572.00 UAH/kg. Imported Kroon Gouda costs 429.00 UAH/kg, which is 31% cheaper than domestic products.
Mozzarella (45% fat) of Ukrainian production averages 565.01 UAH/kg. Prices fell by 15.80 UAH (-2.7%) compared to last month and 12.75 UAH (-2%) year-on-year. The cheapest 1kg format is "Zelena Ferma" at 349.00 UAH/kg, while "Yagotynskyi" is the most expensive at 711.72 UAH/kg.
In Ukraine, a predominantly year-on-year increase in dairy prices is observed. Compared to the previous month, only film-packed sour cream, film and bottled kefir, carton-packed drinking yogurt, and Gouda and Mozzarella cheeses became cheaper, while other products rose. Logistics costs, driven by higher fuel prices and increased export volumes, influenced price hikes. Despite weak winter market activity due to the global overproduction crisis, further increases in associated costs are likely. Hostilities in the Persian Gulf disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a spike in fuel prices and freight costs. Meanwhile, reduced dairy supplies from Iran have increased interest in Ukrainian products from buyers in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
In March, the supply in the Ukrainian cheese market still significantly exceeded demand, forcing sellers to compete actively via price reductions. Despite rising cheese prices in Europe, imported goods will likely continue entering Ukraine in the short term under existing contracts. By late spring, a reduction in imported cheese supplies is expected due to rising costs and currency factors. Ukrainian cheesemakers maintain profitability through distributor discounts.
Current butter prices in Ukraine fluctuate based on sales format and retail partnerships but remain marginally profitable for producers. Companies focus on packaged goods to maintain margins through marketing. Competition in supermarkets is intensifying, aided by promotional offers. If demand from Western traders picks up, procurement prices for Ukrainian butter may be revised. Nevertheless, processing plants continue to face a shortage of working capital despite increased production volumes.
Domestic sales could be improved by Government support for Draft Law 6068-d on combating unfair trading practices by retail chains and the implementation of protective measures against surging dairy imports. Countering gray imports and prioritizing domestic producers for humanitarian aid and state procurement is also essential.
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers
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