AZE.US
Shoppers in Azerbaijan can find a kilogram of butter priced anywhere from 10 to 40 manats. At first glance, many products appear similar: 82.5% fat content, dairy-based ingredients, and comparable packaging claims. The sharp price gap, however, raises questions about what consumers are actually paying for.
Economists say several factors drive the difference.
One key element is customs policy. Butter imported from countries covered by preferential trade agreements may enter Azerbaijan without customs duties, lowering retail prices. Products sourced from other regions are subject to import tariffs, which directly affect final shelf costs.
Production costs also vary. Higher-priced butter may be made from premium cream, produced under stricter quality controls, or transported under more controlled storage conditions. Logistics expenses, refrigeration requirements, and brand positioning further influence pricing.
At the same time, price alone does not guarantee quality.
According to Azerbaijan’s food safety regulations, product labels must clearly indicate the manufacturer, country of origin, and other mandatory information. Imported goods must include labeling in the Azerbaijani language. These requirements are designed to protect consumers and improve transparency in the market.
The Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan reported that in 2025 inspections were conducted at 19 butter production facilities and seven retail outlets. Laboratory testing was carried out on 31 product samples. Six samples failed to meet quality and safety standards, and appropriate legal measures were taken.
In addition, authorities identified seven cases in which vegetable-based fats were sold under the label of butter – a violation considered misleading to consumers.
Experts advise buyers to check ingredient lists carefully and pay attention to labeling and storage conditions. The price difference may reflect legitimate cost factors, but it can also signal differences in composition. As regulators increase oversight, consumers remain the final line of defense in distinguishing between genuine dairy butter and lower-cost substitutes.