Market Reports

Consumers continue to reach for kitchen staples that are familiar and convenient, and Cheddar fits the bill.

All of the CME spot markets moved higher, and cheese did so with particular verve. Once the laggard, barrels are now the leader.

Those markets that gained ground last week gave some of it back this week, while last week’s losers are now on the rise.

CME spot Cheddar blocks soared to the largest single-session increase on record. Barrels followed reluctantly and the block-barrel spread gaped. The market is on tenterhooks to see whether blocks will move lower or barrels higher to close the gap.

Dairy producers are doing their best to top up the bulk tank while the futures promise decent Class III values. Cheesemakers are going strong, and they report that cheese is moving apace.

The cheese markets stand well below the summer peaks but have made a surprisingly quick return to the lofty elevations from a month ago. Despite the impressive uphill sprint, the trade is clearly questioning the cheese market’s stamina.