The first quarter of 2021 marks a significant period of growth for the Norwegian dairy industry, with milk sales seeing a 2.7% increase compared to the same period in 2020, marking the largest growth in milk consumption on record. This surge is part of a broader trend that began with the pandemic, during which time there was a notable rise in the consumption of Norwegian cheese, yogurt, and milk, with increases of 2.7% and 6.4% respectively. The quality and safety of Norwegian dairy products have also enjoyed a boost in consumer confidence during this time. However, the first quarters of 2021 have seen a slight decline in butter sales, which had surged by 12.2% in the same period of the previous year, attributing this to the hoarding behavior observed during the initial lockdowns. Ida Berg Hauge, the director of the Information Office for Dairy Products, attributes this growth to the 'refrigerator effect,' which is linked to more home cooking and increased reliance on pantry staples.