Cheese prices up internationally, says FAO
Credit: FAO
The United National Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Dairy Price Index stood at 152.1 points in April, averaging 3.5 points (2.4%) up from March and as much as 28.4 points (22.9%) higher than a year ago. International butter prices rose for the third consecutive month to a new all-time high, with a 2.9% increase from March. The surge was largely driven by higher European prices supported by reduced inventories and strong milkfat demand, despite seasonally higher milk production. International prices of milk powders (SMP and WMP) also rose, by 1.6 and 2.9% respectively, underpinned by steady domestic demand and a shift in export interest from Europe, where a stronger euro reduced competitiveness, towards Oceania, where seasonally declining milk production tightened spot availability. Meanwhile, international prices of cheese increased by 2.3% from March, driven by strong export demand amid tightening supplies in Oceania.
Overall, the FAO Food Price Index* (FFPI) averaged 128.3 points in April 2025, up 1.2 points (1%) from March. Increases in the cereal, dairy and meat price indices outweighed decreases in those of sugar and vegetable oils. Overall, the FFPI was nine points (7.6%) higher than its level a year ago but remained 31.9 points (19.9%) below its peak reached in March 2022.
