EU Butter and Milk-Powder Prices Rose as Costs Increased

Dairy prices in the European Union moved in different directions during the latest four-week period. Butter gained 1.1%, while whole milk powder recorded a 2% increase.

The increases were accompanied by declines in other dairy products. Skimmed milk powder fell by 2.3% over the same period, and cheddar prices decreased by 1.1%.

Different movements across products

The figures show contrasting price changes within the dairy market. Whole milk powder posted the largest increase among the four products listed, followed by butter. The two products with lower prices were skimmed milk powder and cheddar.

The changes were measured over four weeks and cover both milk powders and processed dairy products. Whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder moved in opposite directions, with the former rising by 2% and the latter declining by 2.3%.

Energy and feed costs

The market changes coincided with a strong increase in energy and feed costs. The cost increases were identified alongside the differing movements in butter, milk powder and cheddar prices.

Energy and feed were the two cost categories cited in the report. No additional figures for those costs were provided. The reported price data were limited to the four-week changes for butter, whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder and cheddar.