Estonian dairy prices continue downward trend in Q2 2026
Milk and butter prices fell in Estonia during the second quarter of 2026, while beef prices stabilized and egg prices rose, according to METK data.
The Center of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) reported that milk and butter prices continued to decline in the second quarter of 2026. Dairy recorded the largest price drop both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, against a backdrop of general food price inflation.
The purchase price of raw milk fell by 11.4% between Q1 and Q2 2026, and by 23.5% year-on-year. The industry's selling price decreased by 6.8% over the quarter, while retail prices for drinking milk fell by 2.9% for plastic bag packaging and 2.4% for cartons. METK noted that the decline in raw material costs has not yet been fully passed on to consumers, suggesting further reductions may follow.
Butter prices also dropped sharply: producer prices fell by 11.7% and retail prices by 13.3% quarter-on-quarter, while year-on-year producer prices were down nearly 30%.
In contrast, beef prices remained high. The purchase price of beef carcasses rose by 4.2% quarter-on-quarter and stood 8% higher than in Q2 2025. According to METK, the beef market has stabilized after rapid price growth in 2025. Pork carcass prices increased by 3% quarter-on-quarter but were still 15% lower than a year earlier. The price of barley used for pig feed was unchanged over the quarter and 1.1% lower year-on-year.
Egg market developments were mixed. Producer prices rose by 1% to 9% year-on-year depending on the farming method, but free-range egg producer prices fell by 2%. A carton of ten eggs averaged €2.91 in Q2 2026, 8% more than the €2.70 recorded in the same quarter of 2025.
Among vegetables, carrot producer prices increased from 21 to 28 cents per kilogram this spring. Beetroot prices were more stable but remained below last year's levels. At the end of Q1, the price fell from 28 cents a year earlier to 22 cents per kilogram, and at the start of Q2, the respective prices were 23 and 22 cents.
METK collects market data for agricultural products and since the start of 2026 has been publishing retail prices for agricultural raw materials alongside producer and purchase prices.
