Cream of the crop
As people’s tastes and priorities shift towards health, flavour, and sustainability, the dairy industry is stepping up with innovative products and a stronger focus on locally sourced, organic, and eco-friendly practices. Writes Shauna Bernard
Print19 March 2025
Dairy remains fundamental to Irish food culture, with 92% of Irish adults consuming it daily, according to a survey by the European Milk Forum (EMF).
Two-thirds consider meals incomplete without it, highlighting the deep-rooted role dairy plays in daily nutrition. Consumers prioritise both health and taste, with 77% recognising its nutritional benefits and 66% valuing its rich flavor.
As dietary preferences evolve, the dairy sector has responded with innovations in lactose-free, high-protein, and functional dairy products. Sustainability is also a key focus, with producers striving to reduce carbon footprints and enhance animal welfare.
Meanwhile, Irish shoppers are increasingly drawn to locally sourced and organic dairy, aligning with broader trends in sustainability and provenance. A recent report from Teagasc economists reveals a strong recovery in dairy farm incomes for 2024, driven by a 15% rise in milk prices, which is expected to boost average farm income by 80%.
With ongoing growth and new developments, Ireland’s dairy industry remains a staple in households across the country.
Smart recovery
Guidance from the HSE says that just two hours and thirty minutes of moderate exercise a week (a week!) can help improve bone and heart health, cognitive function and mental health for adults – however less than half of us are meeting the guidelines1. Now spring’s just around the corner and the sun’s made a welcome return, there’s no excuse not to get your shorts and runners on, get out into the fresh air and start your exercise drive for ’25.
Clearly, whether you’re taking a walk round the block, building up to a 5k run, training for the Dublin Marathon or playing rugby for your country – like National Dairy Council Ambassador Garry Ringrose – effective recovery following your exercise is crucial for maintaining peak performance.
Garry Ringrose an ambassador for the NDC promoting nutritious Irish milk as a natural solution to support both rehydration, muscle recovery and muscle growth.
Ringrose said: “When people ask me what gives me an edge as a professional rugby player, they’re surprised when I say ‘milk’ – but milk is nature’s perfect sports drink.”
Am an ambassador, Ringrose calls on consumers to ‘always choose milk with the NDC Trademark’ as it guarantees that the quality milk is produced in the Republic of Ireland.
Post-exercise, there are three things that athletes – at all levels – need to bear in mind:
- Refuelling: Milk contains lactose, a carbohydrate that is the primary fuel burned during exercise, helping to restore energy levels after a workout.
- Repairing: Milk is rich in protein, specifically casein and whey, both of which contribute to normal muscle growth and maintenance, aiding in the repair of muscles that break down during intense physical activity.
- Rehydrating: With approximately 87% water, milk is an excellent fluid for rehydration. It also contains electrolytes, such as potassium, which are lost through sweat during exercise. The rehydration properties of milk, especially skimmed milk, are a growing area of interest in sports nutrition research.
Dr Mary Harrington, senior nutritionist, National Dairy Council, said: “Milk provides a complete source of protein – rich in casein and whey – which contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for muscle recovery and muscle growth.
“Milk also contributes to both energy and nutrient intake. It’s a convenient source of nutrients for those getting involved in exercise training and, as a “complete” protein source, milk contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for optimal recovery.
“While research continues to explore milk’s full potential in sports recovery, the evidence so far is compelling. Milk is a natural, effective, and science-backed recovery option that athletes should consider after every workout – it really is nature’s sports drink.”
Top Tips for peak performance:
- Balance Your Diet: energy and nutrient needs vary depending on gender, age, body size and activity levels. A healthy balanced diet is essential for all sports enthusiasts for meeting nutritional demands
- Be sensible: there are no shortcuts – effective training and sensible eating are key. If needed a sports dietitian can tailor foods, fluid and supplement advice to specific needs and goals.
- Fuel up: 2-3 hours before training/match e.g. pasta or rice with tomato-based sauce and chicken; baked potato with beans and cheese; or cereal with milk/yogurt
- Protein power: protein foods (milk, lean meat, eggs, beans, cheese, yogurt) should be included at each meal time.
- Hydrate Early: Drink fluids immediately after exercise to replenish lost water and electrolytes. Water or skimmed milk are good options
- Recover well: effective recovery is essential to perform your best in the next session.
Pasture-based dairy
The National Dairy Council (NDC) champions the role of quality pasture-based dairy and its nutrition benefits in supporting healthier, more active living. A farmer-funded representative body that works to promote and protect Ireland’s dairy reputation at home and abroad and believes in a future in which Irish dairy is recognised and trusted as a vital part of people’s diet and general health across the life stages, indispensable to Ireland’s social and economic wellbeing.
The NDC raises awareness of Irish dairy’s impact against the pillars of sustainability – economy, society, community and environment – developing understanding of what sustainability means for Irish dairy and showcasing the initiatives that are improving the industry’s performance. The NDC works to promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products and their place in a healthy, balanced and sustainable diet. It counteracts misinformation and is a source of trusted nutritional information, as well as recipes which celebrate Irish dairy.
Nutritional focus
Yoplait, the yogurt expert, has kicked off the New Year with two new reformulated recipes on its leading kid’s brands, Petits Filous and Frubes, to ensure that its products are even healthier, yet still retain the same delicious taste.
Since 2015, Yoplait has improved the health credentials of its kids’ portfolio globally by reducing sugars by 25%.
“Petits Filous and Frubes are well-established and much-loved brands for many families in Ireland. These same families have come to expect our unmatched product quality and premium taste which is an integral guarantee for all Yoplait brands.
“Equally, it is important to us to guarantee healthier products on an ongoing basis and in this instance, it has managed to reduce sugar without resorting to adding thickeners, sweeteners, processed fibres or flavours.
“Yoplait’s ongoing mission is also to educate consumers about the nutritional value of fortified kids’ yogurts and attract ‘lost consumers’ back into the category,” explains Deirdre Lowry, brand manager, Yoplait Ireland.
“International reports inform us that many children are at risk of poor development and growth because they were lacking key nutrients such as Vitamin D, Calcium and Iodine, all of which are found in fortified kids’ yogurts. These same insights showed that some parents were switching from kids’ yogurts into biscuits, cakes and confectionery – all of which are low in essential nutrients,” she said.
Yoplait will continue with its education and awareness campaign into 2025 and its kids’ brands will continue to drive relevance and excitement with consumers.
This month, Petits Filous will roll out a fresh new-look which emphasises the health credentials of the brand with a focus on bone health and Frubes is running an on-pack promotion offering a once in a lifetime family trip to Japan, a first for the kids’ yogurt category.
“If we are able to re-educate about the positive nutritional benefits, showcase our brands to consumers and encourage them to switch back, we have identified a significant potential sales opportunity for retailers over the next five years,” added Lowry.
Local journey
From the beginning, Noel Barcoe, owner and founder, has had the aim of producing something a little different to what is already on the market. The Village Dairy produces a range of Conventional, Organic, and Jersey milk products including Buttermilk and Cream.
The Village Dairy collects milk directly from farms and we truly believe that the high-quality end product cannot be achieved without the support of the local farmers and their own passion for producing high quality raw milk.
The Village Dairy has built its little dairy up from word of mouth over the last 10 years, and hope to continue working hard to maintain the high quality of standards while working with suppliers, customers, and the whole team at The Village Dairy.
Afterall, it is a journey of nearly ten years brought together by all past and present suppliers, customers, and employees.
The Village Dairy – Where Milk Matters.
‘Category Role Matrix’
“Diary: Lots of interesting metrics we could look at, but just focusing on our ‘Category Role Matrix’ included here, we see that Dairy categories are not all the same. In fact they can play very different roles for shoppers and therefore retailers. High engagement categories like Deli Counter Cheese, Chilled Desserts and Pre-Packed Speciality Cheese should be tempting shoppers with new/premium, as there are ‘spend driving’ characteristics here. Alternatively, the likes of Milk, Eggs, Cheese, BSM are ‘Trip Drivers’ – they very important items on the shopping list, but less engagement instore so more about ease of shop and availability. Are we setting-up our Dairy categories according to the wishes of shoppers?” said Colm Rooney, country manager Ireland, Shopper Intelligence.
Natural goodness
Old MacDonnells Farm was the original producer of “Live” yoghurt in Ireland. Starting in 1978 they continue to produce authentic natural food today. Started by Brian MacDonnell when he was farming goats on the foothills of Sugarloaf Mountain, Co Wicklow producing milk and cheese for sale Brian quickly added cow’s milk and produced the cow’s milk yoghurt from there and added salads not too far after. Feargal Quinn gave the much-needed start into retail in Superquinn Bray in 1980.
Part of local initiative “Wicklow Naturally” they are currently producing “set” Natural and Strawberry LIVE yoghurt in 250grm and 480grm and Tzatziki, two variants of hummus – Chilli and Coriander and Greek Style and a Crunchy Coleslaw. There are more soft cheeses available seasonally.
The yoghurt remains popular to those who require a natural gut friendly alternative, those who are affected with lactose intolerance or those looking for a quick easy breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Still very much an artisan producer, the business like the wider industry has gone through a period of significant change in recent years as it re-invents itself to modernise and compete in current market conditions as it starts to gain ground.
Very much known as a healthy functional product recommended by doctors, the brand is also fun and tongue and cheek which is vital for maintaining the homemade and human connection which helps cut through the noise of louder brands with its customers, especially through social media.
Old Macs is listed in Supervalu and has presence in Dunnes stores, Spar. There is a focus on independents (100+) in the wider Leinster area and presence via independent distributors on the west coast.
The rise in popularity across the sector is driving growth again for the business and confirms yoghurt as Le lait de la vie eternelle (The Milk of eternal life) as the French call it because it is simply good for you – when it is natural. (Some “natural” yoghurts have 18+ ingredients listed; Old Macs has 3.)
More info from info@oldmacdonnellsfarm.ie
Fuel better
Nestle Lindahls has launched its Good Move campaign in Ireland with a PR event and Paid social support. In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are making micro-decisions that impact their health and well-being, whether it’s swapping doom scrolling for lunchtime strolling or hitting your steps instead of sitting on the bus, these small choices add up and can significantly influence our health journeys. Lindahls is committed to recognising and celebrating these everyday moments and supporting all fitness journeys, no matter how big or small they may be.
The Good Move campaign highlights the importance of refuelling with Lindahls’ high-protein, fat-free, low-sugar Kvarg. Packed with 15g of protein in every delicious pot, Lindahls offers a broad range of indulgent and fruity flavours, such as Raspberry, Vanilla, White Chocolate, and Stracciatella to suit all preferences. As well as Kvarg, Lindahls has its Pro+, Protein Pudding, Protein Drinks and most recently Protein Pouches ranges which are also widely available in Ireland.
Pure tradition
Connacht Gold butter
Connacht Gold, a name synonymous with quality and tradition, has been a staple in Irish households for decades. Churning milk since 1897, Connacht Gold has perfected the art of making the best dairy products, ensuring that every drop of milk and pat of butter meets the highest standards of excellence.
Connacht Gold offers a variety of butter options to suit different tastes and uses, whether it is Pure Irish butter for cooking with, Unsalted butter for making desserts, or Garlic & Herb Butter with a delicious steak. Each product maintains the same high quality and delightful flavour that Connacht Gold is known for.
The most renowned of these products is Connacht Gold Half Fat Butter, which is real butter containing no vegetable oils or chemically treated fats. Consumers get all the great taste of butter, with all the health benefits of half the fat. And it spreads from the fridge! Connacht Gold Half Fat butter is available nationwide in 454g and 227g format sizes.
Additionally, Connacht Gold has a range of milk products sold in the Northwest of Ireland, from classic wholesome fresh milk, to lactose free, enriched and more. And in April 2024, Connacht Gold introduced Mór Protein, a 330ml chocolate or strawberry flavoured milkshake with 20g of protein, and no added sugar.
Connacht Gold’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation continues to make it a beloved brand in the dairy industry. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, Connacht Gold butter is the perfect choice for adding a touch of Irish excellence to your culinary creations.
Nutrition for life
Avonmore range of products
As Ireland’s no one dairy brand, Avonmore products are enjoyed on a daily basis in households across Ireland.
Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality products, a deep understanding of the consumer and their needs, and continuous innovation.
Enjoyed by families nationwide for over 50 years, Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across Milk, Cream, Soup and Butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Whipped Cream.
Avonmore’s range of fortified milks offers a wealth of nutritional benefits for every life-stage enabling consumers to easily incorporate the benefits of important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D & folic acid into their everyday diet through fortified milks such as Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Super Milk.
Avonmore Super Milk has a key role to play in the fresh milk sector. Given that we don’t get enough sunshine in Ireland because of its northerly latitude, we don’t get enough vitamin D.
From young children to older families, vitamin D is incredibly important across every life-stage. Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with vitamin D which not only supports our bone health but our immune system too. Avonmore Super Milk is also enriched with vitamins B & E, extra Calcium and Folic Acid making it a great choice for all the family.
Avonmore Protein Milk has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2014 and has an extensive range of ten skus, of various flavours, formats, and added benefits, appealing to everyone involved in sports and exercise.
Avonmore Protein Milk is fresh Irish milk with added whey and casein protein, vitamins and minerals. It is consumed by those who seek additional protein in their diets.
Mooju, Ireland’s number one flavoured milk brand, is another successful brand in the portfolio Popular with a younger audience, success is built on its quirky brand personality and its fantastic taste.
Avonmore Slimline Milk with added iron and vitamins meets the nutritional needs for those looking for a 0% fat option. Avonmore Lactose Free completes the
value-added milks portfolio ensuring quality, taste and nutrition for all ages and stages of life.
Avonmore Cream continues to perform well and is the No. 1 branded cream in the market. Key seasonal occasions where families come together e.g. Easter, Summer and Christmas remain important events for Cream . Last year Avonmore launched its new look savoury range to complement the sweet range offering, providing consumers with an extensive range to suit their cooking and baking needs.
With such a wide range of product offerings, it’s no wonder Avonmore continues to be Ireland’s No one Dairy Brand.
Happy gut
Enjoy a healthy start to your day with the #1 Yoghurt brand in Ireland. The Activia Breakfast range with calcium, fibre and live cultures reaching your gut alive. From the fruit range with carefully selected ingredients to no added sugar and 0% fat there’s an Activia for everyone.
Activia are passionate about happy guts and how it plays a significant role in our bodies. With a unique blend of five ferments, there are billions of live cultures strong enough to survive until they reach your gut. We have been doing this for more than 30 years, that’s why Activia keeps on innovating and finding delightful new ways to love your guts. Give your gut a healthy morning.
Activia is a source of calcium & protein. Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes and normal energy-yielding metabolism. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet & lifestyle. #1 brand: Nielsen data 29.12.24
Read more: Lengendairy results!
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