The overall index rose while several other dairy categories weakened.
The Global Dairy Trade Price Index rose 1.2% at trading event 413 on 6 October, according to the market operator. Skim milk powder gained 4.3% and whole milk powder 1.2%.
The stronger headline concealed differences between products. Lactose fell 6.9%, mozzarella 3.9% and cheddar 3.7%, GDT’s event report shows.
A total of 41,692 tonnes was sold, with 124 successful bidders. The next full GDT event is scheduled for 20 October.
Read the measure correctly
GDT’s explanatory notes distinguish the price index from the average winning price, which weights successful prices by quantity. Neither is a quoted South African farmgate milk price.
The result provides an international commodity-market reference for South African dairy readers. It does not establish an equivalent change in local producer payments, retail milk prices or rand-denominated returns.
Comparisons also need to keep product and regional series separate. A movement for milk powder cannot be applied to butter, cheese or every supplier region.