Culture changes in the east are causing price rises in the west

Latest Stats NZ figures show local butter prices have more than doubled in the past decade, and more than quadrupled in the past two decades.

Global wholesale prices have been rising even more sharply.

High Ground Dairy global dairy insights consultant Stu Davison says the biggest driving factor is increased demand from China and south-east Asia.

He says Asian consumers are getting used to putting butter in their food, and they particularly like the taste and colour of New Zealand butter.