Prices for the main dairy products are moving in different directions, according to the European Commission’s dairy dashboard, updated on 7 October 2026. Milk powder prices are rising, while butter and Cheddar cheese prices are below the average for the preceding four weeks. For farmers and processors, the document provides separate benchmarks for raw material prices and the value of the resulting products.

Raw milk: €42 per 100 kilograms in July

The average raw milk price in the European Union, presented in the summary section for July 2026, is €42.0/100 kg, up 0.5% on the previous month.

Separately, the price trend chart shows a weighted average of €42.2/100 kg for August 2026, calculated at actual fat content. The document specifies that this figure is provisional. The distinction between the two periods is important: updating the report in October does not mean that all published prices refer to the same month.

On the Italian spot market, the weekly chart shows €45.0/100 kg on 4 October. This benchmark relates to the Italian market monitored and does not represent the European average or a price automatically applicable to contracts in Romania.

Milk powder records the strongest increase

For week 40 of 2026, average European prices are:

• Butter: €413/100 kg, down 1.3%;
• Skimmed milk powder: €321/100 kg, up 4.1%;
• Whole milk powder: €383/100 kg, up 1.2%;
• Cheddar: €319/100 kg, down 0.9%.

The changes are calculated against the average for the preceding four weeks, rather than the previous week or the same period in 2025. Skimmed milk powder therefore records the largest increase among the four products monitored.

The international auction confirms mixed price movements

At the Global Dairy Trade auction on 6 October 2026, the overall index rose by 1.2%, while the reported average price was US$3,928/tonne.

Skimmed milk powder reached US$3,847/tonne, up 4.3%, while whole milk powder rose by 1.2% to US$3,605/tonne. Butter fell by 0.3% to US$4,740/tonne, and Cheddar declined by 3.7% to US$3,925/tonne.

The European data and international auction results describe different markets, with distinct currencies and reporting bases. They provide benchmarks for monitoring the market, rather than retail prices or quotations specific to Romania.