The DCA EU Cheese Index continued its upward trend last week, albeit at a significantly slower pace than the previous week. The index rose by 16 points, compared with an increase of 86 points the week before. This was mainly due to higher prices for Gouda and Edam sliced cheese. Demand for mozzarella remained strong, although its reference price changed only slightly. Price rises were also recorded for naturally matured Gouda and Cagliata.

In addition, the new DCA reference price for grated Emmental was included in the EU Cheese Index for the first time, alongside the established reference price for sliced Emmental. The difference between the two reference prices highlights their differing market dynamics. Last week, the DCA reference price for grated Emmental was €175/t lower than that for sliced Emmental.

The DCA EU Cheese Index comprises reference prices for ten key European cheese categories: foil-matured Edam, foil-matured Gouda, mild Cheddar, Cheddar quark, mozzarella, ‘Frau Antje’ foil-matured Gouda, naturally matured foil-matured Gouda, Emmental, Maasdam and Cagliata.