February 2018

Irish milk intake up 2.4 % in February

Irish domestic milk intake by creameries and pasteurisers in February was up 2.4 % to an estimated 279.4 million litres from 272.9 million litres in the same month in 2017, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Milk intake refers to whole milk bought by creameries and pasteurisers from domestic producers through collection depots and separating stations. It includes whole milk obtained from herds owned by the creameries and pasteurisers. The fat content of the whole milk is also collected.

Milk intake in the first two months totalled 445.2 million litres, up 5.6% from 421.6 million litres in January-February 2017.

Total milk sold for human consumption increased 6 % to 43.3 million litres compared with February 2017 consumption.

.

Butter production in February was down 1.4 % to 8,420 tonnes.