- EU milk production closing gap on last year27 April 2017
Milk production across the EU-28 has been rising steadily for the past four months and is now approaching levels seen last year. Desptie reports of colder weather across much of the EU more recently, it is likely that the gap will be closed at some point in the next couple of months assuming farmgate prices do not drop significantly. - Arla foods amba price drop but UKAF holds firm25 April 2017
Although Arla Foods amba is decreasing its on-account price for conventional milk by one eurocent per kilogramme from 1 May 2017, the UKAF board has taken the decision to maintain the conventional price in the UK at 28.13 pence per litre. - UK cheese exports continue to grow25 April 2017
EU destinations accounted for ten out of twelve of the largest export markets for UK cheese in 2016. The only two non-EU countries to make the top dozen were USA and Saudi Arabia. Overall cheese exports in 2016 were 163k tonnes, of which 91k tonnes was cheddar or cheddar variants.
- Will New Zealand storms halt recovery in milk production?19 April 2017
After being hit by two severe storms, milk production in New Zealand (NZ) will undoubtedly be impacted, at least in the short term. With grazing restricted, and farmers having to deal with higher feeding costs, production is expected to drop in the short term. - UK consumer spending now under pressure 19 April 2017
Tentative signs that consumer confidence may be easing back as inflation is picking up again will impact on household spending. This could slow the expected 1.8% rate of growth in GDP if other sectors are unable to fill the gap. - Retail dairy markets see rise in value19 April 2017
The latest grocery market figures from Kantar Worldpanel see total grocery sales value increase by 1.4% compared to the same time last year. Most dairy products have also seen value growth in the past year, with the exception of cheese. - Markets should level out but bumps along the way19 April 2017
Global dairy markets are expected to stay relatively level overall until at least mid-2017, but there is likely to be short-term volatility along the way, according to Rabobank. This is due to large SMP stocks, uncertain production volumes and currency fluctuations causing hesitation in the market. - Increases seen in average GDT prices, market positivity seen in contract prices?19 April 2017
The latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction Price Index rose 3.1%, after a number of products saw average increases. - Futures markets under pressure for SMP while butter is uncertain14 April 2017
EU SMP prices continued to fall in March as prices headed towards the intervention level. - Intervention in use as SMP prices fall13 April 2017
SMP has been offered into intervention for the first time this year, with 1,201 tonnes put forward to date. The latest weekly average EU SMP price is still €92/tonne above intervention level but, with production rising towards its seasonal peak, some sellers have clearly seen intervention as their better option.