Milk production remains strong in much of the upper Midwest, but less so in Minnesota, according to Dairy Market News. Nevertheless, milk continues to flow into Minnesota cheese plants from surrounding states and is available in needed volumes. Cheese plants in other Midwest states generally have adequate milk produced from continuing sources. Some cheese manufacturers believe cheese inventory levels are “decent” while others note inventory levels being worked lower.
Opinions about sales are mixed, with some cheese plants being sold out for much of this year, some reporting good sales, while some note customers still purchasing hand to mouth while hoping for a price decline. Midwest demand for Italian cheese remains particularly strong and is expected to remain strong for a couple of more weeks. Halloween is regarded as one of the strongest food service days of the year for pizza sales, with frozen pizza sales also strong.
Demand for cheese in the West mostly remains strong, with some buyers showing steady interest. There have been inquiries seeking additional cheese beyond contracted supplies received by some manufacturers. However, other manufacturers continue to face buyers who are strategizing purchases in more of a hand-to-mouth fashion, based on future price movement expectations.
Milk supplies are seasonally lower, but still above year ago levels in the Pacific Northwest. Western Swiss manufacturing is active, targeted at sales later in the year.
Source: DairyBusiness Update
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