Beef prices soften ahead of the International Hamburger Day

On International Hamburger Day, the DCA Cheeseburger Menu Index follows price movements across dairy, meat, potatoes, crops, and ingredients to show the overall cost of a cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake combo. The current index stands at 107.41 compared to last year’s 115.99. The 7.4% decrease from last year comes majorly from a decline in prices in the meat market. Beef prices have decreased from the extreme highs of 2025 as imports increased and demand growth has slowed down recently. The patty leads the index with a 68.8% cost share of the menu, and burger prices decreased by 1.61%. Prices for young bulls and cows have also been declining due to a weak demand within the EU. Demand remains moderate, and prices continue to be under pressure, with current prices for young bulls at €663.86 and cows at €594.62. Dairy and potato ingredients account for a moderate share of the cost, with cheese representing 9.9% of the index, fries 7.9%, and milk 4.3%. Structural weights are more important than headline price increases. Raw milk saw a 40% price spike over the last week, with prices now averaging €20 per 100 kg. Nevertheless, it accounts for only about 4% of the total cost. The raw milk supply is currently high, as most dairy plants are operating at full capacity. On the other hand, the European livestock sector appears to be moving toward a phase of stabilization. The European cattle herd may have reached the end of its most severe decline, but structural pressures from policy, profitability, and succession challenges continue to keep the industry in a prolonged slowdown rather than a full recovery.