DCA Benchmarks: Cheese market commentary week 2

DCA Market Intelligence cheese benchmarks showed a mixed-to-firmer tone depending on product type. The market was described as quiet, with ongoing uncertainty in the short term, and demand signals were supportive.The Gouda/Edam segment strengthened notably. Edam cheese (NWE) increased to €3,005 (+€85) and Gouda (NWE) to €3,060 (+€125). Pricing was relatively consistent, with a very low volatility (sDev 0.8% for Edam; 1.0% for Gouda). Frau Antje (NWE) also moved higher to €3,110 (+€100) with a moderate volatility (sDev 1.9%).Mozzarella was broadly stable, rising slightly to €2,955 (+€10). Volatility was higher than for cheeses (sDev 1.8%), reflecting a wider spread in market indications.Cheddar markets were stable to slightly firmer. Cheddar Curd rose to €3,250 (+€30) with low volatility (sDev 0.8%), while Cheddar Mild increased to €3,320 (+€20) (sDev 1.1%).Nonetheless, Emmentaler declined to €3,700 (-€25) (sDev 2.4%), and Maasdam (NWE) faced a sharp fall to €3,600 (-€250) with a higher volatility (sDev 5.6%). Natural Ripened Cheese (NWE) fell to €3,850 (-€235) (sDev 4.1%), while Cagliata (NWE) increased to €3,400 (+€150) but with high dispersion (sDev 5.4%) and very limited input. While multiple benchmarks were flagged for too little input (Edam Foil, Gouda Foil, Mozzarella, Cheddar Curd, Natural Ripened, and Cagliata), they were approved after consultation with the head of PRA, considering their coherent clustering and consistent market sentiment.