FrieslandCampina overtaken by Irish milk price

The average European milk price for February is €34,39 per 100 kilos (at 4,2% fat and 3,4% protein). This is evident from the International Milk Price Comparison of LTO Netherlands. The above price includes an annual supply of 500.000 kilos of milk. The price drops by €1,07, compared with the month of January. Despite the decrease, the average milk price beats that of February 2017 (+2,4%).

Glanbia increases milk price
There were shifts within the European top 5 in February. For example, Glanbia wrote a higher milk price again due to a seasonal bonus. This amounts to €37,31 per 100 kilos and gives the Irish second place. FrieslandCampina drops its milk price and therefore ends up in fifth place (€35,09).

The rest of the top 5 looks as follows: the Italian Granarolo remains in first place (€40,71), Hochwald takes third place (€36,64) and the Finnish Valio comes (€36,36) out in fourth place. The first processor also dips below €30 in February. This concerns the Belgian Milcobel (€29,83).

Class III milk stands out
Outside Europe, the milk price of the Class III is striking. At €27,69, it is at the lowest level in 10 years. On the other hand, there is an increase in Fonterra's milk price. This amounts to €31,30 per 100 kilos, making the milk prices a reflection of the milk supply. For example, there is more milk available in the US and less in New Zealand.

Only DMK has kept the milk price stable in March (so far). A-ware, FrieslandCampina, Arla, Dairy Crest and Savencia all announced that they would lower the milk price, which means that the European playing field will probably look very different in March.