Buttermilk powder and milk powders record price gains at GDT auction

The overall Global Dairy Trade (GDT) dairy price index rose by 2.5% at the international auction held on October 20, 2026. The weighted average price reached $4,021/t. A total of 42.1 thsd tons of dairy products were sold, with 145 participants taking part in the auction. Buttermilk powder and milk powders recorded the largest price increases.

Buttermilk powder led the gains, with its price rising by 8.4%. Whole milk powder increased by 4.4% to $3,760/t, while skim milk powder gained 3.4% to reach $3,975/t. Thus, powdered dairy products recorded the most significant price increases at the latest auction.

Meanwhile, prices for several other dairy products moved in the opposite direction. Cheddar cheese recorded the sharpest decline, falling by 7.4% to $3,645/t. Anhydrous milk fat lost 3.4% of its value, trading at $5,488/t, while butter declined by 0.4% to $4,721/t. This indicates mixed price movements across different segments of the global dairy market.

Among other products, mozzarella prices increased by 1.3% to $3,880/t. GDT reported a 0.6% increase in lactose prices to $1,665/t, although its charts and price data indicate a decline compared with the previous trading session. Overall, the auction results indicate a continued increase in average global dairy prices, primarily driven by higher prices for powdered dairy products.

Tags: dairy products, global market, milk powders, GDT, buttermilk powder