Letter From America

Marion McKeone: Kerrygold withdrawal meltdown as butter disappears off US shelves

The popular Irish butter has been temporarily removed from supermarkets in California and New York due to new packaging regulations, leading to scavenger-like hunts for the precious commodity

Storm in a butter dish: Kerrygold is in short supply in New York and California, leading to butter-themed scavenger hunts and hoarding

For the past two months – since January 1 to be precise – the denizens of New York and California have been traumatised by the disappearance of Kerrygold butter from the shelves of their local supermarkets. This sudden drought arrived silently and without warning, catching everyone off balance.

It could be assumed it’s the ex-pat communities of Los Angeles and New York who are feeling its absence most keenly. Not at all. An excitable and ...