Dairy retail performance – 21 February 2026

Cows’ milk saw a 0.7% decline in volumes purchased year-on-year², while spend saw a 7.2% increase, driven by an 8.0% increase in average prices paid.

Declines were seen for semi-skimmed, skimmed and other cows’ milk. Whole milk continued to see volume growth, with a 3.0% increase year-on-year, due to more buyers. Plant-based milk also saw volume growth.

Cows’ cheese remained in volume growth, seeing a 1.8% increase year-on-year². Spend grew by 3.6% during this period, driven by volume gains and a 1.7% increase in average prices.

Cheddar, which represents a majority (43.8%) of all cow cheese volumes, saw a 0.5% increase. Other cows’ cheese (+10.7%), and snacking (+10.4%), also saw growth. These categories have seen growth due to consumers wanting a healthier option that is high in protein. This is particularly driven by cottage cheese and snacking selection pack. This growth offset declines in processed, British regionals, Stilton and British blue, and specialty and continental.

Cows’ butter saw a 0.8% decrease in volumes purchased year-on-year². However, spend saw a 1.8% increase year on year, driven by a 2.7% increase in average prices paid. Block butter continues to be the only subcategory to see volume growth (+5.1%), due to consumers wanting less ultra-processed and more natural foods. However, this growth was not enough to offset the decline in cow butter spread volumes (-3.7%).

Cows’ yogurt, yogurt drinks and fromage frais volumes continue to see growth (+6.6%), with spend increasing 9.2% year-on-year³. This growth is due to increased occasions per buyer. Averages prices paid grew 2.4%. Cows’ standard plain yogurt saw the fastest growth of 20.8% year-on-year, while cows’ fat-free yogurt saw the greatest actual growth, with an additional 4.7m kg purchased year-on-year (+13.4%).

Cows’ cream volumes saw a 0.6% increase year-on-year, with an 8.1% increase in average prices paid, and an 8.8% increase in spend². This growth is due to increased demand at Christmas. Growth in aerosol (+5.6%), clotted (+1.2%) and crème fraiche (+0.7), volumes drove this performance. Whipping, single and sour cream saw volume decreases.

¹ NIQ Homescan POD, Total GB

² NIQ, 12 w/e 21 February 2026

³ NIQ, 24 January 2026

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