Benna is not denying that it plans to increase the price of milk, instead insisting the information is “strictly confidential”.

Distributors and grocery store owners are telling customers to expect a price hike in milk soon. Photo: BennaDistributors and grocery store owners are telling customers to expect a price hike in milk soon. Photo: Benna

The company’s reticence has not stopped the rumour mill from churning out buzz about an imminent rise in the price of milk. Distributors and grocery store owners are telling customers Benna is expected to increase the price soon.

The rumoured increase comes amid recent hikes in the prices of bread, fuel and pastizzi.

In addition to the price issue, the company on Wednesday admitted there was a shortage of milk on store shelves. It said this was due to Malta’s population growth.

It added that it was working on a strategic, long-term plan to try to address the increased demand throughout the year, taking into consideration population growth.

Read: Population growth milking Benna dry

The company also admitted the supply of raw milk was not meeting demand, adding that cows “naturally produce less milk” during the hot summer months. The shortage could not be addressed by importing milk or milk alternatives from abroad, since Benna prided itself on using only fresh local milk, the company said.

Also admitted a shortage of milk due to population growth

“We are doing our utmost to continue providing consumers with fresh milk despite such a situation being beyond our immediate control,” a Benna spokesman said, insisting the situation should be back to normal in a few weeks, once the temperature starts cooling down.

Benna last year unveiled an updated look that evoked mixed reactions, introducing new packaging for all its fresh milk products. The new milk cartons had some consumers up in arms, with many on social media reacting to the detrimental environmental effects of their plastic caps.

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