The price of Slovak butter is influenced by the cost of milk and cream on European markets. (source: TASR)
Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč, a self-declared social democrat from the Smer party, claims that 250-gram packs of butter can be bought “without issue” for €2.30 in Slovakia. He cited a survey conducted by colleagues at his ministry, covering retail chains across the country.
He rejected suggestions that 250 grams of butter typically costs €4 in shops.
“The price of a 250-gram pack of butter ranges from €1.99 to €2.49, and we only found a price over €4 in one shop. You can easily buy butter for €2.30, even from Slovak producers,” Takáč said at a Monday press conference when asked about the high cost of butter.
Butter prices have been a hot topic in Slovakia and the media for several days now, with prices having surged in recent months. Over the summer, the cost of butter climbed over €2. According to data from the Statistics Office, butter cost €2.45 in August, up from around €1.90 in spring. Today, it generally sells for €3-4 unless on sale, as reported by several Slovak media outlets.
For instance, TV Markíza found the cheapest butter in Billa, selling at €2.39, though it was subject to a 40-percent weekly discount—its original price being €4. Some Billa shops ran out of stock in the early days of the sale. The lowest-priced butter not on discount was found at Lidl for €2.89, and at COOP Jednota for €2.99.
“Tesco’s butter is a good benchmark for price comparison. In Slovakia, it costs €2.89; in the Czech Republic, it’s €2.36, and in Hungary, €1.98. Meanwhile, in Austria's Hofer supermarkets, a 250-gram pack sells for €2.59,” Index magazine reported in early October.
Data for September will be released by the Statistics Office later this month.
People disagree with minister
The price of Slovak butter is influenced by the cost of milk and cream on European markets. Europe experienced a milk shortage this summer due to sick cows, high temperatures, and increased demand, driving up milk prices. In addition, milk production in Slovakia continues to decline.
Butter prices may also be impacted by upcoming fiscal consolidation measures. While the government decided to reduce VAT on basic foodstuffs like butter, higher taxes on businesses are expected to offset the price drop next year.
TV Markíza also asked viewers about butter prices on social media.
“If the minister can tell me where I can buy 250 g of butter for €1.99, I’d happily go and buy a whole carton,” responded one viewer, Tereza.
Shops typically sell butter containing at least 82-percent fat, but now 61-percent fat butter has begun to appear, according to TV Markíza. This variety is cheaper.
Butter prices could rise further this autumn as the baking season approaches.
Meanwhile, Slovensko leader and former prime minister Igor Matovič flew to Paris to record a video saying that people in Slovakia pay more for butter than the French, who earn significantly more.
How much does a carton of milk cost?
Takáč’s faux pas recalls an incident involving current Labour Minister Erik Tomáš, a social democrat from the Hlas party. In January 2023, TV Markíza asked Tomáš how much a litre of milk costs. He said it was between €3 and €4.
“You’re way off. It's obvious that you’re a social democrat,” retorted his opponent, Slovensko party leader Igor Matovič.
At the time, a litre of milk cost around €1.
