Due to the increase in the cost of raw milk, Ukrainian cheesemakers are forced to raise prices for their products. According to forecasts by leading producers, the price of cheese may increase by 10% from December 1. However, analysts note that the real increase in prices for consumers will be limited due to the tough position of large retail chains.

According to Infagro analysts, the increase in the cost of raw milk has already exceeded 40%, and cheese producers are trying to compensate for their losses due to the increase in prices. At the same time, retail chains are reluctant to make concessions to suppliers, which complicates the situation for Ukrainian cheesemakers. This leads to the fact that cheese factories will probably have to work at a loss for some time.

It is predicted that Ukrainians will hardly be able to buy regular cheese cheaper than UAH 400 per kilogram, especially during the holidays. At the same time, although cheese prices are rising, demand for them will remain stable, and buyers will simply buy smaller quantities of products.

Imported European cheeses are already much cheaper than domestic ones, which may affect the market. According to experts, in the pre-holiday period, a significant part of the market for Ukrainian cheesemakers may be occupied by suppliers of imported products. The difference in price, especially with "Dutch" cheese, is so great that retail chains will be forced to increase the supply of imported goods.

Analysis of the situation shows that although the increase in cheese prices will be a challenge for consumers, competition between domestic and imported producers will remain on the market. This may lead to a change in consumer habits, when buyers will look for more affordable cheese options or choose imported products due to their competitive prices.

In general, cheese prices in Ukraine will continue to grow in the coming months, which will force many consumers to reconsider their spending on food, especially on holiday dishes.