DCA Benchmark Index Specification DCA EU Cheese Index

DCA Market Intelligence publishes a weekly benchmark index for the European cheese market. The specifications of this benchmark index are described below.

1. Product description

The DCA Cheese Index represents a weighted average of selected DCA cheese benchmark prices published by DCA Market Intelligence.

Each component follows the relevant individual DCA benchmark specification for that cheese product. These product specifications define, among other things, the product type, quality, location, delivery condition, assessment window and unit of publication.

Quantity

The DCA Cheese Index is a calculated benchmark index based on published DCA cheese benchmark prices and does not represent a separately tradable physical delivery quantity.

For all cheese benchmarks included in the DCA Cheese Index, the underlying benchmark quantity is defined as a minimum of one full truckload.

Timing

For all cheese benchmarks included in the DCA Cheese Index, the underlying delivery period is defined as: picked up within one month of the assessment date.

Delivery terms

The index is based on the delivery terms and market definitions specified in the individual DCA cheese benchmark specifications.

Unit

EUR/metric ton (1,000 kg).

2. Methodological framework

This benchmark index follows the DCA General Methodology, which outlines processes including data hierarchy, validation, use of expert judgement, and governance. The index is administered within DCA Market Intelligence's internal compliance and oversight framework. Operational processes, contributor validation, and weighting logic are applied consistently with approved methodology rules. Detailed internal controls are not disclosed publicly for data integrity and confidentiality reasons.

3. Origin and regional scope

The DCA EU Cheese Index provides a broad and representative indication of price developments in the European cheese market, based on the DCA cheese benchmark portfolio.

4. Price definition

The benchmark index is a weighted average of selected DCA cheese benchmark prices. The benchmark index itself does not require separate price input from market participants. It is calculated from the published component benchmark prices. The DCA EU Cheese Index is rounded to the nearest €5, in line with the Public Methodology Summary.

5. Calculation method

The component weights are based on DCA Market Intelligence’s estimate of the relative production and/or market share of the selected cheese categories. Cheese products with a larger estimated market share have a greater influence on the index.

The following weights are applied:

  • Edam Foil Cheese: 5%
  • Gouda Foil Cheese: 38%
  • Cheddar Mild: 10%
  • Cheddar Curd: 5%
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 25%
  • Frau Antje Gouda Foil Cheese: 2%
  • Naturally Ripened Gouda Foil Cheese: 4%
  • Emmentaler Cheese: 5%
  • Maasdam Cheese: 1%
  • Cagliata: 5%

The DCA Cheese Index is calculated by multiplying each component benchmark price by its assigned weighting and adding the resulting values together.

6. Data collection window and publication

The DCA EU Cheese Index is calculated and published by DCA Market Intelligence together with the DCA Cheese benchmarks. 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: June 2026

<