DCA benchmarks: Cheese commentary week 11

DCA Cheese benchmarks continued to recover in week 11 (March 12), observing gains across all products. The Cheddar complex showed a slower recovery, with only marginal weekly increases, despite moderate monthly improvements. Overall market sentiment is firm, supported by strong demand, particularly for Gouda and Mozzarella, limited availability, and relatively few producer offers.Gouda benchmarks closed at €3,625, reflecting an increase of 3% compared to the previous week. Similar increases were observed in Edam at €3,590 (+2.9% WoW) and Mozzarella at €3,605 (+2.3% WoW). These cheeses reflect a clear recovery trend, increasing between 11.2 and 12% compared to the previous months. Yet, prices remain 17.2% to 19.2% lower than the previous year. The Cheddar complex has observed a milder recovery, remaining relatively stable over the previous week. Cheddar Curd stood at €3,555 (+0.1% WoW), while Cheddar Mild increased by 1.5% WoW to €3,630. Although prices have recovered between 8.2% and 8.8% compared to the previous month, they still have more space to recover compared to the previous year (-26.5% YoY). Meanwhile, the largest weekly increase was exhibited by Emmentaler (+8.3% WoW) and Maasdam (+5.7%). These cheeses have kept a steady recovery throughout the last month, despite weekly fluctuations. Meanwhile, Naturally Ripened Gouda observed a 1.5% weekly increase to €3,790, the lowest percentage increase, and reflecting a monthly increase of only 2.4%. Contributors underscored a firm market with good demand, limited availability, and few producer offers. This has resulted in an overall increase in prices and a positive market sentiment. A particularly strong demand was noted for Gouda and Mozzarella, while and Naturally Ripened Cheese was seen as more stable.