DCA Benchmark Specification Frau Antje Gouda Foil Cheese

DCA Market Intelligence publishes a weekly benchmark price for Frau Antje Gouda Foil Cheese. The benchmark represents the prevailing market level for Frau Antje Gouda Foil Cheese in Northwestern Europe (NWE). The specifications of this benchmark price are described below.

1. Product description

Quality

Gouda Foil Cheese with original Frau Antje mark in compliance with Codex Standard 266-1966 without colouring, made of Dutch cow’s milk, of good standard merchantable quality, compliant with EU legislation.

Milkfat in dry matterbetween 48% and 52% 
Moisturebetween 39% and 41.5%
Salt in dry matter
between 2.5% and 4% (between 1.39% and 2.28% on product)
At loading maturedminimum 4 weeks, maximum 6 weeks old
Shelf life at loading
at least 6 months
Format15-kg Euro blocks, suitable for slicing

Quantity

Minimum of one full truckload.

Timing

Picked up within one month of the assessment date.

Delivery terms

Ex Works.

Unit

EUR/metric ton (1,000 kg).

2. Methodological framework

This benchmark specification follows the DCA General Methodology, which outlines processes including data hierarchy, validation, use of expert judgement, and governance. The benchmark is administered in accordance with the IOSCO Principles for Financial Benchmarks and DCA’s internal compliance framework. Operational validation and weighting techniques are applied in line with the DCA General Methodology. Detailed controls are not disclosed publicly for confidentiality and data integrity reasons.

3. Origin and regional scope

Region

For DCA benchmarks, the region Northwestern Europe (NWE) is defined as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, northern France, and northern Germany. This benchmark is produced for and applies to transactions within NWE, reflecting the principal zone of active market participation used by DCA for regional benchmarks.

Origin of input data

The origin of the input data is Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Germany. These markets are part of the NWE region and represent the core supply base for this benchmark.

4. Price definition

The benchmark reflects the average price excluding commission and VAT of transactions completed during the assessment period (Friday of the preceding week through Thursday of the current week). Prices are rounded to the nearest €5, in line with the Public Methodology Summary.

5. Calculation method

Prices are based on validated data provided by professional market participants, primarily consisting of concluded transactions within the defined assessment window. Submissions are reviewed for accuracy and consistency; statistical checks identify outliers, which are excluded from the calculation while all submissions remain recorded in DCA’s internal system.

While DCA may consider the indicative volume associated with each transaction, all validated prices are aggregated using a transparent arithmetic mean rather than a proprietary weighting formula. The benchmark value is determined and published through DCA’s controlled Price Reporting System in accordance with the DCA General Methodology.

6. Data collection window and publication

Price input is collected on Thursday from 09:00 until 15:00 CET. The benchmark price is published on Thursday at 15:30 CET. In the event of a public holiday, the collection and publication schedule follows the Public Holiday Schedule published on the DCA platform.

7. Complaints and feedback

Any questions or complaints regarding this benchmark may be submitted to DCA Market Intelligence via pra@dcami.com, in line with the DCA Complaints and Appeals Procedure (see Public Methodology Summary).

© DCA Market Intelligence B.V. All rights reserved.

Version: December 2025

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