New Zealand dairy processor Synlait has matched industry leader Fonterra’s milk price forecast for the 2025–2026 season at $10/kg MS, signaling confidence in global dairy markets despite geopolitical headwinds.
New Zealand-based dairy company Synlait has announced its opening forecast base milk price for the 2025–2026 season at $10 per kilogram of milksolids (kg MS). The announcement mirrors Fonterra’s earlier forecast, released on May 29, reflecting a unified outlook in the country’s competitive dairy sector.
Synlait emphasized that the alignment reflects its intention to stay consistent with prevailing market rates and industry norms, offering farmers predictability and confidence in forward planning. The announcement also indicates strong underlying fundamentals, with a positive long-term demand outlook supporting prices.
However, the company cautioned that external factors such as geopolitical volatility and trade-related uncertainties could influence the actual payout in the upcoming season. “We recognize the external risks but believe that maintaining a solid price forecast is critical for supporting our suppliers,” said a company spokesperson.
Synlait has also confirmed that the final milk price for the 2024–2025 season will be declared on September 29, coinciding with its full-year financial results. The current estimate for the 2024–25 payout stands at $10/kg MS, up 25% from the earlier prediction of $8/kg MS.
Both Synlait and Fonterra’s outlooks are being closely watched by industry analysts, farmers, and investors. These forecasts play a crucial role in shaping farmer earnings, production planning, and broader investor sentiment in New Zealand’s export-heavy dairy sector.
