The dairy market grew 5% in the first half of 2011 as a result of a rise in prices to the consumer, but decreased considerably in real growth (in terms of quantity). Data provided by Store-Next to "Globes" show that in the first half of the year, cottage cheese sales slightly decreased (0.3%) in real sales, however despite this, overall cash sales in this category rose 4.7% as a result of higher prices.

Real sales of soft cheese rose only 0.5%, while overall cash sales grew 5.4%. Here too, the rise in cash sales resulted form a higher price to the consumer.

Real sales of yogurt and chocolate milk products also fell, as overall cash sales rose, again as a result of increased price to the consumer. The data also show that there were price increases in milk, yellow cheeses, and salty cheeses.

Tnuva Food Industries Ltd., the largest player in the dairy industry, succeeded in strengthening its position, and controlled 57.5% of the financial market share in the first half of 2011, compared with 57.3% of the market share in the same period in 2010.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 13, 2011

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