December 10, 2011
In a move that might make Paula Deen cry, the nation of Norway nearly ran out of butter recently. Spurred by the perfect storm of smaller-than-average milk output this summer, a low-carb, high-fat diet craze sweeping the nation and one company with a virtual monopoly on the product, the country nearly exhausted their butter reserves.
One company, Tine, controls nearly 90 percent of the country's butter market. People have responded angrily to the shortage and are demanding to breakup the "near monopoly." Thankfully, Belgium has responded to the crisis and has imported 300 tons to help ease the crisis.
Apparently, Denmark refused butter assistance because Norway has such high import tariffs.
Other food shortages:
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