DCA launches price index for the European cheese market
How is the European cheese market moving as a whole? DCA Market Intelligence introduces the DCA EU Cheese Index, a new weekly price index that brings together all major DCA cheese benchmarks into a single weighted reference. This offers a quick overview of price trends in the European cheese market.
DCA Market Intelligence publishes ten independent benchmark prices for different European cheese types each week for its clients in the global dairy sector. The new EU Cheese Index brings these individual benchmarks together. Each cheese type is weighted according to its relative production and/or market share within the European cheese market, as estimated by DCA.
The index is expressed in euros per tonne and published weekly on thursday.
Cheese market strengthens further
In week 44, the DCA EU Cheese Index continued its upward trend. Higher prices for mozzarella and foil-ripened cheese contributed to this. Demand ahead of Christmas is proving stronger than previously expected, while relatively little product is available for near-term delivery due to lower milk production in several European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands.
Several producers indicate that they are largely sold out for the coming weeks. The picture is not the same for all cheese types. Cheddar remained relatively stable, while naturally matured Gouda was under pressure due to ample stocks. At the same time, supply remains an important factor.
The index thus reflects a firmer European cheese market, supported by seasonal demand and limited availability for near-term delivery.
From Gouda to mozzarella
The DCA EU Cheese Index comprises benchmark prices for ten major European cheese categories: foil-ripened Edam, foil-ripened Gouda, Mild Cheddar, Cheddar Curd, mozzarella, Frau Antje foil-ripened Gouda, naturally matured foil-ripened Gouda, Emmentaler, Maasdam and Cagliata.
The weighting varies by product. Foil-ripened Gouda, for example, accounts for 38% of the index and mozzarella for 25%. Other cheese categories have a smaller share. As a result, a movement in a large market segment has a greater impact on the index than a change in a smaller cheese category. The result is a single price reference that provides a broad and representative indication of price developments in the European cheese market.
One reference for cheese
“Our individual cheese benchmarks allow market participants to track precisely what is happening in the different cheese markets. With the DCA EU Cheese Index, we are deliberately introducing a broader reference alongside them,” says Eric de Lijster, Head of PRA at DCA Market Intelligence.
“You can view the index as a price thermometer for European cheese. At a glance, you can see the direction of a significant part of the cheese market, without first having to compare all the individual price quotations. In doing so, we aim to make market information more accessible and transparent for everyone following the European dairy market.”
Public index, detailed information available through DCA Market Intelligence
DCA Market Intelligence publishes the index publicly through its channels every week. Users wishing to explore further can follow the individual independent cheese benchmarks through the DCA Market Intelligence platform. This provides access to benchmark prices and historical developments, among other information, for the various cheese categories underlying the index.
Access to these individual benchmark prices and more extensive market information requires a subscription to DCA Market Intelligence. More information about the DCA EU Cheese Index and its specifications is available via the website.
About DCA Market Intelligence
DCA Market Intelligence is an independent and privately owned Price Reporting Agency specialising in benchmark prices and market intelligence for global commodity markets such as dairy, meat and potatoes.
Grounded in EU physical markets and primary sector expertise, DCA Market Intelligence combines structured governance, transparent methodologies and continuous market interaction to support reliable price formation and informed decision-making. Through its independent benchmark framework, DCA contributes to greater transparency and integrity across international agri-food supply chains.
