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Dale Farm Becomes Big Cheese of Agri-Food Sector
A further investment of £2.1 million by leading dairy company, Dale Farm, has confirmed it as Northern Irelands largest processor of cheddar cheese and given the regions indigenous cheese production its biggest boost in many years.
Todays (5th March) official opening by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, of a major extension to the companys bulk cheddar and whey processing facilities at its Dromona Cheese centre for excellence at Dunmanbridge in Cookstown, marks the completion of a major investment programme at the plant totaling some £5million within the last three years. The Department for Agriculture and Rural Development and Invest NI provided £700,000 in grant-aid under the EU Agricultural Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme to support the latest expansion.
The investment will enable Dale Farm to increase total cheddar cheese processing capability at the Dunmanbridge plant to 20,000 tonnes per annum and allow it to expand production of Dromona Cheese, Northern Irelands top-selling local cheese brand, utilising up to 200 million litres annually. Group Chief Executive, Dr David Dobbin, said that in addition to significantly increased cheese processing capacity, the additional investment in whey processing facilities would allow Dale Farm to expand its food ingredients offerings and lead to further improvements on its overall return.
This investment is a key part of Dale Farms strategy of growing in value added products, in particular in cheese products where there is growing demand, and follows on from a recent investment in cheese packing and processing. Dromona branded cheese and butter products made with excellent quality local milk are enjoying good growth at home and in other markets and this investment would provide much needed additional capacity. Our dual focus strategy of developing consumer products alongside food ingredients is proving very successful.
David Dobbin said that the company appreciated DARD and Invest NIs ongoing support not just for this investment but for the companys investments in research, new product development and developing new markets.
