Milk prices show first signs of market turnaround

Several major milk processors have committed to either maintaining or lifting farmgate milk prices in the coming weeks, despite large volumes of milk both in the domestic market and at a global level.

Milk supplies continued to increase week on week throughout mid-April ahead of the flush, and total GB milk volumes are currently tracking in line with year-earlier levels at just shy of 38m litres a day.

Arla will pay its producers an additional 1.76p/litre in May with its price lifting to 35.83p/litre for a standard manufacturing litre.

See also: GB milk production surges to all-time record high in 2025-26

The processor says global milk supplies continue to grow and retail prices are stabilising.

Organic producers supplying Arla will continue to receive 56.31p/litre, with demand for organic milk reportedly strong, but a growing imbalance between supply and demand leaves the outlook uncertain.

Muller will hold again for June, with its producers receiving 34.5p/litre for a standard liquid litre, including the members’ advantage premium.

First Milk has also confirmed it will hold its price for June, paying producers 30.75p/litre for a manufacturing litre, including the member premium.

Barbers Cheesemakers has confirmed an increase of 1.55p/litre from 1 June, taking its manufacturing litre to 33.6p/litre.

Saputo Dairy will offer a headline price of 33p/litre for May, and dairy producers supplying the processor are anticipating a price rise for June.