Whilst Norway’s low carb march continues, feeding cows are still feeling the effects of 2011’s disastrous summer. The grass is a long way from being green on any side of any fences. 

Milk quotas have increased, but cows have decreased. TINE’s Harald Volden says there are 5,000 fewer dairy-friendly bovines in Norway. 

“Many milk farmers are struggling to up production”, he tells Aftenposten, “the situation won’t change until the new grazing season has begun.”

Imports of Irish, Belgian, and French butter have been helping consumers find the ordinary product, which has slipped off the supermarket shelves for TINE. 

Nevertheless, with no guarantee of good weather this summer, cows and consumers will be looking hungrily on.
TINE’s director of communications, Elisabeth Morthen, says 2012 milk deliveries will also be demanding, but blames “fat balance distribution” amongst some of their products for being at the root of the problem.

According to her, butter production has now reached normal levels, though, which will mean good news for consumers.

“Our entire supply line was empty so we had to build up our own stocks. We’ll be sending butter out to the wholesalers from the beginning of this week, meaning TINE butter will be available in stores during the course of this month, as promised.”

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