New benchmark prices for German dairy commodities

DCA Market Intelligence B.V. has introduced four new benchmark prices for the German dairy market. The new benchmarks – for German butter, cream, skimmed milk powder (SMP), and sweet whey powder (SWP) – complement the existing raw milk benchmarks for Germany that DCA has been publishing for many years. From now on, these prices will be published weekly on Thursdays at 15:30 CET via the DCA Dairy Platform.

As a Price Reporting Agency (PRA), DCA Market Intelligence provides the food and agribusiness sectors with independent benchmark prices, market data, and market intelligence. This expansion responds to the growing demand for transparent, reliable, and region-specific price information. The new benchmarks offer processors, traders, buyers, and sellers essential reference points for making informed strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving market environment. 

“The launch of these new German benchmarks is an important milestone in our development as a PRA,” says Eric de Lijster, Head of PRA at DCA Market Intelligence. “It directly addresses the market's growing need for national and regional benchmark prices that more accurately reflect local market dynamics.”

The first official DCA benchmark prices for Germany (Week 20) are as follows:

Germany’s central role in the EU dairy market
Germany is the largest producer of raw milk, butter, SMP, and SWP within the European Union. As such, it plays a pivotal role in both EU dairy supply and trade. The introduction of country-specific benchmarks for these products enhances the accuracy and relevance of price analysis in both contract negotiation and trade strategy.

These new benchmarks build on the existing DCA benchmarks for raw milk in Northern and Southern Germany, bringing the total to six dairy benchmarks for the German market.

Gradual expansion of the dairy benchmark portfolio
The German benchmarks are part of a broader expansion of DCA Market Intelligence’s dairy benchmark portfolio. In the coming weeks, additional benchmark prices will be introduced for France and for the combined Netherlands/Belgium market.

“We now publish 26 dairy benchmark prices covering the Northwest European market,” adds De Lijster. “With this expansion, we enhance regional market insights and strengthen transparency across the dairy value chain. This supports our clients and partners in making more informed and timely decisions.”

Refinement of calculation methodology and benchmark standards
In parallel with the portfolio expansion, DCA’s benchmark calculation methodology has been reviewed and further refined. The updated method aligns with international best practices and is fully consistent with IOSCO principles for Price Reporting Agencies.

“We have consciously sharpened our methodology to ensure our benchmarks remain aligned with evolving market realities,” explains De Lijster. “This enhances the reliability and credibility of our figures.”

About DCA Market Intelligence
DCA Market Intelligence B.V. is a leading Price Reporting Agency (PRA), specializing in independent benchmark pricing, market analysis, and data services for the international agri-food sector. With a strong focus on transparency, methodological integrity, and close cooperation across the supply chain, DCA provides market participants with the price information essential for risk management, contract negotiation, and strategic positioning.