Arla has announced unchanged milk prices for both conventional and organic milk in June. The background is generally stable commodity markets, although protein prices are rising and fat prices are falling.
Arla has announced unchanged milk prices from June 2026. The on-account price for conventional milk of the highest quality – based on non-GM feed, FarmAhead™ Check, FarmAhead™ Supplement and maintenance and logistics allowances – remains at 302.2 øre/kg. For organic milk of the highest quality, the price is likewise unchanged at 426.4 øre/kg.
Stable global supply
Among the factors Arla points to as the background for the price development is a global milk supply stabilising at a high level. Retail prices have been adjusted slightly downwards in line with market movements, while prices on global commodity markets are generally stable – though with rising protein prices and falling fat prices.
The high level of supply is reflected in the production figures: milk intake in the EU rose by 4.6 per cent in February compared with the same period the previous year, and in the US production increased by 2.3 per cent in March, driven by larger herd sizes, while production per cow rose by 0.3 per cent.
Limited spot availability in cheese markets
European cheese markets have been characterised by high production volumes throughout the first quarter. Despite this, spot market availability has been relatively limited, and buyers have according to Arla often had to pay a small premium to secure supplies – particularly for commodity cheeses such as Gouda and Cheddar.
Global cheese markets are described as resilient, with broadly stable conditions underpinned by consistent demand across regions. The Gouda market is quiet with moderately declining prices, while the mozzarella market is facing short-term pressure from competitive pricing and seasonal production shifts. Demand from retail and foodservice nonetheless continues to provide a reliable foundation supporting market stability.
Protein trend lifts milk powder
The milk powder market remains resilient, supported by increased demand from South-East Asia. Whole milk powder has risen moderately on world markets as a result of this demand, but remained stable in Europe amid a weaker position in the fat category. For skimmed milk powder, the price increase was more broadly based. The globally growing interest in protein is, according to Arla, beginning to spread from whey protein to milk protein, strengthening market sentiment and raising expectations of a further recovery.
Butter prices in Europe have fallen in recent weeks, and in the US prices are also weaker.
By Maja Løvstrup
Photo: Arla
