“It has been very difficult to provide butter this year, because of bad weather, bad food, and cows that produce less,” Tine Dairies Communications Assistant Kari Raundokken told Nationen.

Norway’s butter, cream, and bacon shortage was previously thought just to have been due to low carb diets. However, the cows have produced 20 million fewer litres of milk this year compared with 2010.

Marianne Hayes from branch organisation Opplysningskontoret for Meieriprodukter (Dairy Product Information Office) said to Aftenposten that the growing need for fresh ingredients has also had an effect.

“We see using real contents when cooking from scratch is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a positive trend.”

Unlike last year, the major chains do not fear a shortage of pork ribs (ribbe), however, but there are reports an increasing number of people are eating mutton ribs (pinnekjøtt).

According to VG, purchasing manager for supermarket chain Rema 1000, Tor Erik Aag, says they are taking special measures to ensure a good supply.

“We have explored the import market and tried to scrape together what we get in. We hear there is very good Welsh lamb, that should be on a par with Norwegian.”

Meanwhile, back at the baking tray, TINE’s Kari Rannedokken asks people to remain calm as Christmas approaches.

“There will be enough butter and cream for everyone to make their seven types of biscuits and cakes if all consumers limit their purchases to the quantities they need.”

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