German butter prices crash to €0.99, sparking antitrust investigation demands

Dairy producers are fighting for survival as supermarket wars slash butter prices. Could this be the breaking point for sustainable farming?

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2025 December 10 . 10:21 PM

1 min read

In this picture we can see different kinds of food items on the paper. On the paper there are price... — In this picture we can see different kinds of food items on the paper. On the paper there are price boards and behind the food items there are other things.

Cartel Office to Examine Butter Price - German butter prices crash to €0.99, sparking antitrust investigation demands

Butter prices in Germany have plunged to record lows, sparking outrage among farming groups. The Bavarian Farmers’ Association (BBC) has now called on the Federal Cartel Office to investigate whether retailers are breaking competition laws by selling butter too cheaply. Prices have fallen as low as €0.99, leaving dairies and farmers struggling to cover costs.

The BBC warned that the steep drop in butter prices risks undermining regional and sustainable food production. President Peter König described the situation as a 'race to the bottom', where retailers prioritise low prices over fair conditions for producers. The association suspects that butter may even be sold below purchase price, which could violate antitrust regulations.

With butter now retailing for as little as €0.99, farmers and dairies face mounting financial pressure. The investigation could determine whether current pricing practices are lawful or if further action is needed. The outcome may also influence future policies on fair pricing in the dairy sector.