The cost of butter has jumped dramatically, with consumers paying €1.08 more for a pound of butter compared to July 2024, according to new Central Statistics Office data.
The significant increase continues an upward trend reported earlier this year, when butter prices had already risen 70 cents by March compared to the same period in 2023. This latest surge represents one of the most notable food price increases affecting Irish households.
The CSO’s Consumer Price Index for July shows overall consumer prices rose 1.7% year-on-year, with food and beverages driving much of the increase. Food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed 4.7%, while alcoholic drinks and tobacco rose 3%.
Other dairy products also increased substantially, with Irish cheddar rising 70 cents per kilogram and two liters of full-fat milk costing 28 cents more than last July. Bread prices showed modest increases of 5 cents for white sliced pan and 3 cents for brown.
However, some food items bucked the trend, with potatoes declining 33 cents per 2.5kg bag and spaghetti falling 4 cents per 500g.
The sharp butter price increase highlights ongoing food inflation pressures affecting Irish consumers, particularly for dairy products which form staples in many households. Transport costs provided some relief, falling 2.8%, while clothing and footwear decreased 2.4%.