Freeing the dulche de leche

The news that Brazil is holding onto 39 kilograms of dulche de leche spread that it confiscated from Uruguay’s football team is a matter of concern. However, as a resident in the UK, I was somewhat hoping that it would impact on their performance on the pitch on Thursday against England. Sadly, it was not to be. But what it does show is that once again, dairy is being used as a political football in corss-border trade.

Brazil is holding onto the sweet spread as it lacked the sanitary documentation necessary for dairy products. Even though it is all boiled down in the manufacturing. It reminds me of the Chobani affair at the Sochi Olympics, where Russia held onto yogurt destined for the US team. I suspect we will see more of this type of protectionist behaviour here in Europe, as the post-quota borders open up.