Consumer prices for dairy products in Ukraine showed a significantly slower rate of growth in the first quarter of 2026 compared to other food categories, according to the Ukrainian Dairy Industry Association (UDIA).
The industry association noted that, on an annual basis, milk prices rose by 7.3%, sour cream by 5.7%, and soft cheeses by 5.3%, while the price of butter increased by only 1.9%. At the same time, the cost of meat, eggs, and bread increased by 15% to over 20% during the same period.
“Over the past six months, dairy prices have remained relatively stable. They rose slightly or even fell slightly, as in the case of butter, which became 1.4% cheaper. In contrast, eggs, vegetable oil, and bread have risen significantly in price, while only pork and chicken have become cheaper. The situation is similar with producer prices. The dairy industry, therefore, remains one of the main factors holding back food inflation,” the statement quotes a representative of the SMPU as saying.
According to the association’s data, the annual change in producers’ selling prices for dairy products ranged from -3.2% for butter to +5% for sour cream.
By comparison, producer prices for beef, poultry, pasta, and bread rose significantly more—up to 34%.
Over the past six months, the SMPU reported, producer prices for dairy products have mostly declined, while most other food products continued to rise in price.
