NEW ZEALAND BUTTER GOES MORE EXPENSIVE

    BAKU/15.09.10/TURAN: New Zealand butter sold in Azerbaijan has become 11% more expensive. The distributors explained this with the increase in the prices in New Zealand. E.g. Delta Distribution Company importing packed Anchor butter to Azerbaijan told Turan the price changes are seasonal. The wholesale prices are AZN 6.35 (+AZN 0.35 against late August). The retail prices grew by AZN 0.50 to AZN 7.
     A company with Arab capital that imports unpacked New Zealand butter to Azerbaijan has also increased the wholesale prices from AZN 5.20 to AZN 5.80.
     The State Anti-Monopolization and Consumer Rights Service did not comment on the increase in the prices of butter.
     The Chairman of Azerbaijan"s Free Consumers Union, Eyub Huseynov, told Turan the sharp increase in the prices was caused by the import"s monopolization.
     The State Customs Committee reported that Azerbaijan imported 6,189.8 tons of butter totaling $14.5 million in 2009. The customs declaration read $0.73 per kg for the commodity. Overall 2,580 tons of butter totaling $7.5 million was imported from New Zealand; the customs declaration read $2.9 per kg. But the commodity"s average 12-month price was AZN 5.5 per kg in Azerbaijan (AZN = $0.80).--08B--