International milk prices show a slight drop

The average European milk price in November 2018 is €34,66 per 100 kilos. It is a decrease of €0,16 compared to October 2018 and a decrease of €2,99 compared to November 2017. This means that the price is 7,9% lower than in the same period last year.

Who stand out?
Hochwald showed the largest increase (+€1) between October and November, resulting in a milk price of €34,91. In addition, Dairy Crest (+€0,10) and Müller (+€0,50) also showed increases, bringing the prices of these processors to €36,03 and €34,45 per 100 kilos respectively (with an annual supply of 1 billion kilograms). 

The biggest declines were for Sodiaal and A-ware; they both showed a decrease of €1,50. The milk price of Sodiaal thus falls to €35,05 and that of A-ware to €33,73. As a result, the Dutch processor drops from the top to the bottom of the list. Danone (-€0,40), FrieslandCampina (-€0,70) and Glanbia (-€0,20) showed smaller declines.

Outside the European Union, especially the Swiss Emmi shows a sharp decline. The price drops by €3,60 to €49,37. This is mainly due to the cancellation of the seasonal allowance. The average milk price in the United States decreases by €2 to €32,22. 

Further decline expected
The average milk price has shown an upward trend since June, but that came to an end in November. The price is expected to fall further in December; DMK and Arla have already indicated that they will lower the milk price by €1. The calculated milk price of Dairy Crest also decreases (-€1,20), but this is mainly due to the fall in the British pound and the cancellation of the seasonal bonus.

Further price decreases are also expected at the beginning of 2019. Arla, Royal A-ware and FrieslandCampina have already announced price reductions for January 2019. Dairy Crest will lower the milk price from February.