FDBusiness.com

Kerrygold, the brand owned by Irish dairy farmers through the Ornua dairy co-operative, has exceeded €1 billion annual retail value – the first Irish food brand to reach this momentous milestone. The Kerrygold brand was created by Sir Anthony O’Reilly, CEO of what was then called An Bord Bainne, in 1962. His vision was to establish Kerrygold as a premium brand, befitting the rich quality of Irish milk. Its phenomenal global success is attributed to farming families’ commitment and dedication to making the best quality milk in the world, coupled with state-of-the-art member production facilities and an ambitious and focussed brand strategy. Today, Kerrygold is an international household name, loved around the world for its naturally superior, grass-fed dairy products.

While Kerrygold Butter has grown in popularity over the past five decades, the recipe has not changed since it was first produced in 1962. Its distinct, rich flavour has established a committed following worldwide with 7.5 million packets of the iconic gold foil sold each week. Kerrygold is the No. 2 butter brand in the US and the No. 1 butter brand in Germany, as well as being the fastest selling branded product on supermarket shelves in Germany.

Today, Kerrygold is a symbol of national pride providing Irish consumers with a sense of belonging and a link to home in many markets all over the world. Irish diaspora spot the familiar golden foil in shops around the world and it is an immediate connection to home. Kerrygold advertising campaigns became viral at a time when YouTube did not exist, and to this day people of a certain age ask, “Who’s taking the Horse to France?” and remind themselves to “Put a bit of butter on the spuds, André.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Michael Creed TD says: “The Kerrygold brand is an amazing asset for Irish dairy farmers and its promotion of Ireland’s unique grass-fed credentials has been instrumental in enhancing Ireland’s reputation around the world as a sustainable food producer. Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for Kerrygold, and Ornua, who have not only contributed economically to Ireland but have also played their part in supporting our vibrant rural community and building opportunities in markets all over the world.”

Róisín Hennerty, Managing Director of Ornua Foods, comments: “While Kerrygold holds a unique place in the hearts of the Irish people, we are especially proud that the brand has captured the hearts and imagination of consumers all over the world. The future is bright for Kerrygold – our unique connection to our consumers coupled with our way of farming and our members’ expertise will drive the next generation of success.”

Ornua markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its members; Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers.  It is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, exporting to 110 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, it has annualised sales of over €2 billion and a global team of 2,200 employees. Ornua operates from 10 business units worldwide, including 14 production facilities, and has sales and marketing teams working in-market across all four corners of the globe.