Kerry Group was quick out of the traps in announcing its April milk price at 32.2c/litre ex-VAT at 3.3% protein and 3.6% fat.

This is the same as the March milk price.

There had been expectations that April milk price would increase again, given that the Ornua PPI lifted last week and markets remain strong.

Holding the April price in Kerry means its base price is 2.5c/litre off the Ornua equivalent price.

Kerry is not a member of Ornua, but it does some trade and business with Ornua.

PPI increase

The Ornua purchasing price index (PPI) for April was up to 115.1, which is the equivalent of 34.7c/litre base ex-VAT at base solids, once the Ornua premium is included.

This is up from 34c/l in March, with better prices for butter and powders.

This week’s GDT result was down a fraction (0.7%).

Kerry says that based on Kerry’s average milk solids for April, the milk price return exclusive of VAT but including bonuses is 34.65c/l.