EU wholesale prices

Updated 12 June 2025

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.

Monthly overview

In May, wholesale price movements of dairy products in Europe were mostly downwards, with whey recording the largest decline. Milk deliveries in March were estimated to have declined by 0.4% year-on-year. Production levels were at peak, but Bluetongue reported in some regions of the continent have driven down supplies and deliveries are variable across Europe.

Butter prices were 0.8% lower month-on-month but still recorded a significant increase of 21.8% year-on-year. Overall supply remained tight and despite increases in seasonal milk production, milk collection volumes varied largely between countries. Demand remained firm.

SMP prices were marginally down by 0.3% month-on-month in May. Demand was reported to be steady. SMP prices remained competitive on the global market.

WMP prices remained stable month-on-month but increased 18.1% compared to previous year. Limited production added to the steady tone of the market. Export demand dripped slightly following strengthening of the Euro while European demand was stronger.

The average cheese price remained relatively flat this month, recording a marginal 0.1% decline. Cheddar and Edam prices increased by 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, Gouda (-0.2%) and Emmental (-0.6%) declined.



Additional information

Please note that prices can vary markedly within each market sector: the prices above are intended to give a guide to trends in price changes, but the absolute values experienced in the market place may differ from those shown.

As of 1 February 2020 the MMO 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.

Download dataset

EU wholesale prices

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While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved. 

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