Cheese has gotten more expensive, what's the go?

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

A 1kg block of cheese now costs more than $10.

A one kilogram block of cheese will now set you back more than $10, thanks to rising cheddar prices and demand for milk.

For almost a year the cheapest block of cheeses could be found on the shelves of Pak’nSave supermarkets for less than $9.

But thanks to the global rise in cheddar prices and strong demand for New Zealand milk the price had gone up. At Pak’nSave Moorhouse Ave in Christchurch a 1kg block of Pam’s edam was $11.85, while at Pak’nSave Mt Albert it was $10.29.

A quick look inside a cheese plant in Eltham, a small Taranaki town where Fonterra has two sites.

At New World Papakura the same block was $10.99, while at New World Durham St in Christchurch it was $11.95. Meanwhile at Woolworths a 1kg block of its home brand cheese was $11.50 at its Mt Roskill store and $11.95 at it’s Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch store.

A Foodstuffs spokesperson said the retail price of cheese was driven by the market and wholesale pricing from its suppliers.

Since November 2023, global commodity costs for cheddar had risen by 36.7%.

“There is also strong demand for New Zealand milk, as milk production in countries like the US has had some decline which is positive for New Zealand’s dairy industry,” she said.

“Pak’nSave Everyday Low price items provide customers with low prices for longer on many items, so customers can have more certainty around the price of their shop.

“Pams cheese has been included in the Everyday Low range for nearly 12 months and although it no longer displays the Everyday Low ticket, it still offers one of the most competitive prices available.”

“We’re continually working with our suppliers to get the best deals possible so that we can pass any savings on to our customers.”