EU wholesale prices

Updated 08 October 2020

An overview of how the dairy markets are moving in the EU. Price series comparing average EU wholesale prices of butter, SMP, WMP and cheese. They are updated on a monthly basis.

As of 1 February 2020 the MMO has changed its data reporting to EU (excluding UK), including historic data back to January 2016. For historic EU-28 prices up to Dec 2019, please download the spreadsheet using the link below.

Price movements on the EU wholesale markets were mixed in September. Butter and SMP prices recorded an increase on the month, while WMP and whey remained steady. The average cheese price also held steady on the month, although price movements varied among varieties.

Butter prices rose 2% in September. The high price of cream reportedly resulted in less butter churning, lifting the price of both bulk and packaged butter. Seasonal milk production declines likely also contributed to a rise in price.

Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP) prices increased in September. Reports suggest few new deals occurred, and instead firm contracts leading into the new year coupled with seasonal production declines led to this increase in price.

Whole Milk Powder (WMP) remained relatively steady on the month, with the market being described as quiet and stable. Reports indicate EU WMP sales being mainly internally focused, a result of New Zealand dominating exports on the global market.

The average cheese price remained relatively steady on the month, however variety affected price movements. Emmental prices fell marginally (-0.4%), while Cheddar and Edam prices rose by a marginal 0.5% and 0.4% respectively. Meanwhile, Gouda prices rose 1.4%.