An article in the English food magazine, Fine Food Digest, June 2024, highlights the mismatch between supply and demand for sheep’s milk and sheep cheese in England.
The article points to several reasons for the increasing demand: mentions of the health benefits of sheep’s milk, viral recipes on social media, and a general growing British interest in continental cheeses have all contributed to the rise in sales of sheep’s milk cheeses in the UK in recent years. Conversely, there are only 35-50 sheep milk farms, many of which are small-scale operations. Therefore, sheep’s milk is in short supply, and prices are rising sharply. For instance, a cheesemaker in the article mentions that the prices of sheep’s milk have increased by 50% over 18 months to £1.50 per liter.
Sheep cheese producers in Spain are also facing their own challenges. Milk prices have increased due to rising feed costs and an outbreak of sheep pox. Additionally, increased demand from the USA has affected both the price and supply of aged Manchego cheese in the UK. Spanish producers are opting to sell younger cheeses for quicker turnover and lower risk.
Read the full article HERE.
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