Cottage cheese prices are on the up, fuelled by farmgate rises and social media-led demand.
Following what Graham’s The Family Dairy described as a “serious resurgence” for the once overlooked cheese, some cottage cheese lines have jumped in price by more than 20% over the past month, according to analysis of Assosia data by The Grocer.
Across a total of 39 cottage cheese lines sold in the major mults, the largest price increases were seen at Asda.
Its Longley Farm Cottage Cheese with Chives, Longley Farm Natural Cottage Cheese, and fat-free versions of both SKUs all increased by 21.2% in the four weeks to 10 June, rising to £1.77. The next highest rises were at Lidl and Aldi, which both had several lines increase from £1.19 to £1.39, equivalent to 16.8% in a month.
On average, prices in the mults have jumped by 6.8% month on month and by 12.1% since the start of the year.
The hikes have been driven by an increase in farmgate milk prices, according to the British Retail Consortium. The UK average milk price hit 43.69p per litre in April.
While slightly down on previous months, it is still 13.6% higher than in April 2024.
At the same time, demand for high-protein, low-fat cottage cheese is booming, fuelled by social media hype.
“Cottage cheese has been a family favourite for many years, but over the past 12 months it has seen a serious resurgence,” said Robert Graham, MD of Graham’s The Family Dairy.
“During this time, we have seen sales of the 80s fridge staple increasing by 40%. This is the equivalent of two million kg per year.”
Graham’s is now at production capacity due to the boost in popularity. To keep up with demand, it is looking to expand its output capabilities with a possible £5m investment in production.
“Volume is up and showing no signs of slowing down, showing cottage cheese isn’t retro anymore, it’s back and, if our sales are anything to go by, here to stay,” said Graham.
According to Assosia data for The Grocer’s Key Value Items Tracker, the average price increase for an own-label cottage cheese line rose by 19% year on year.
“Retailers continue to work to mitigate the impact of these rising costs and to provide competitively priced products to consumers,” said a BRC spokesperson.
“We are working hard to keep prices down and competitive for our customers,” said a Morrisons spokesperson.
All supermarkets were approached for comment.
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