FAO Says Global Food Prices Stable in May
Global food prices remained largely stable in May 2026, with the FAO Food Price Index (FPI) averaging 130.8 points, down just 0.2 points (0.2%) from the revised April level, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Despite the slight monthly decline, the index remained 2.9% higher than a year ago and continued to hover…
Class IV Surges as Milk Price Gap Hits 6-Year High
The U.S. dairy market witnessed a significant shift in May 2026 as the gap between Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class III and Class IV milk prices widened to $5.40 per hundredweight (cwt), the largest spread since 2020. The development has renewed incentives for depooling within FMMOs, with Class IV milk emerging as the higher-valued…
Protein Demand Reshapes Global Dairy Markets
Global dairy markets are witnessing a major structural reset as soaring milk production collides with rapidly rising demand for protein-focused dairy ingredients, according to a new market analysis by CZ App. While global milk supply continues to expand across key exporting regions, the market is increasingly being repriced around protein value rather than traditional dairy…
Middle East Tensions Trigger Dairy Market Volatility
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are driving short-term volatility across global dairy markets, raising concerns over supply disruptions and trade flows through critical maritime routes, even as the overall market structure remains resilient. Despite an initial spike in commodity prices, strong global milk production, improved inventories of storable dairy products, and limited direct…
UK Dairy Faces Price Pressure Amid Milk Surge
The UK dairy sector entered 2026 under significant pressure as rising milk production across domestic and global markets created an oversupply situation, weighing heavily on prices and farmer margins, according to the latest Q1 2026 dairy market review by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. GB milk deliveries have remained consistently above prior-year levels, with…
US Raises 2026 Milk Output, Price Forecasts
The USDA has raised its 2026 milk production forecast, projecting higher output alongside improved milk price expectations, signaling a more optimistic outlook for the US dairy sector. Total milk production is now expected to increase on the back of higher milk per cow, even as cow numbers remain relatively stable, reflecting gains in productivity and…
Freight Turmoil Reshapes Global Dairy Trade Flows
Freight disruptions and shifting protein economics reshape global dairy trade, impacting costs, competitiveness, and exports. Milk mixing in the stainless tank during the fermentation process at the cheese manufacturing Edited by: Damián Morais Shifting protein economics and logistics disruption redefine competitiveness in dairy markets. Insight Focus Global dairy markets have steadied but remain freight‑driven. Logistics disruptions…
2026 Dairy Markets: Growth Meets Volatility
The 2026 dairy market outlook signals a year of improving profitability but rising volatility, as expanding milk supply, shifting demand patterns, and global trade dynamics reshape margins and risk strategies. Analysis from Purdue University highlights that while margins are expected to recover, producers must navigate increasingly complex market signals. Milk production is projected to increase…
Fonterra Lifts Outlook Amid Middle East Risks
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has raised its full-year earnings guidance to 50–65 NZ cents per share, up from the earlier 45–65 NZ cents, reflecting improved global commodity prices, strong margins and disciplined cost control despite rising geopolitical uncertainties. The company reported a 3% increase in half-year profit to NZ$750 million for the six months…
Iran Emerges as Major Global Milk Export Power
Iran is rapidly emerging as a significant force in the global dairy trade, with the country now ranked as the world’s fourth-largest milk exporter, behind the European Union, New Zealand and the United States, even surpassing Australia. In 2025, Iran is estimated to have exported 182,000 tonnes of milk powder, marking a sharp rise of…