Cartel Office to Examine Butter Price - German farmers demand probe into supermarkets selling butter at rock-bottom prices
Butter prices in Germany have plummeted to as little as €0.99 per pack, raising concerns among farmers and industry groups. The Bavarian Farmers’ Association (BBC) has now asked the Federal Cartel Office to investigate whether retailers are breaking the law by selling below cost.
The BBC suspects some supermarkets, particularly discount chains, are pricing butter below their own purchase costs. While no specific companies were named, NORMA has been noted for reducing butter prices under one euro per pack. This practice could violate competition laws, according to the association.
The investigation request highlights growing tensions between farmers and retailers over unsustainable pricing. If confirmed, selling butter below cost could harm regional producers and weaken efforts toward more ethical and sustainable dairy farming. The Cartel Office’s response will determine whether further action is taken.
