SUMMER SERIES – GI COLLEAGUES SHARE THEIR PLANS FOR KEEPING FIT THIS SUMMER!
Rory Hannon, Commercial Manager, Belview
SUMMER SERIES – GI COLLEAGUES SHARE THEIR PLANS FOR KEEPING FIT THIS SUMMER!
In the second instalment of our Summer Series, we talk to colleagues who’ve got fitness on their minds as we emerge from lockdown and look forward to warmer, brighter days ahead
Rory Hannon,
Commercial Manager, Belview
As a rugby player the gym has always been a big part of my fitness lifestyle and over the last number of years, my focus would have been on strength training. But with the gyms closing in December, I was forced to find new ways to get exercise in.
I was never a fan of running, in fact I would have done my best to avoid it but needs must and with a number of colleagues in the Growth team being keen runners, I decided to bite the bullet and take up a new challenge. I started with 5km, then 10km, 15km and in March I was delighted to run my first half marathon. Due to travel restrictions, I did the majority of running on the roads around my home in Waterford City. Since the restrictions have lifted, I’ve been lucky to be able to run in more scenic areas like Tramore, Dunmore East or on the Waterford Greenway.
When I started running in January my goal was to improve my fitness and lose weight, but after I completed a half marathon I decided to set the goal of running a full marathon. My aim is to run the Viking virtual marathon in June. I’ve had some challenges with some old rugby injuries coming back to haunt me, but my training is still on track. I never thought I would say this, but running is now something I actually enjoy and I plan to keep running even when the gyms are open again.
Lauren Baker, Export Operations and Project Manager Equine, Purcellsinch
Lauren Baker,
Export Operations and Project Manager Equine, Purcellsinch
I am lucky to own a lovely Connemara pony named Rocky and thankfully, I have been able to continue to exercise and school him at home during lockdown. The struggle for me as an amateur rider was the fact that we could not compete our horses during lockdown. This made keeping the motivation to continue to keep him fit difficult at times, as I had absolutely no idea what I was working towards and when I would get to compete again.
I am very happy to say we had our first cross country training lesson last Sunday at Wexford Equestrian, which is a beautiful equestrian venue. Now I’m looking forward to our first competition on the 13th of June! My big goal is to qualify Rocky for the Connemara performance class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, although that will now be pushed out to 2022 due to Covid!
Throughout the summer, I will compete for my riding club Carne in south Wexford in eventing and show jumping and I’ll do some Connemara classes at local shows. When I’m not training with Rocky, I do a lot of running on the hills around home which makes a huge difference to my strength and fitness for horse riding.
Ian Cahill, Commercial Development Manager, Citywest
Ian Cahill,
Commercial Development Manager, Citywest
I’ve been playing American Football in Ireland and Dubai for over 10 years, representing four club teams and two national teams in that time. The football season in Ireland generally runs from March to August, but this year we’ll have an augmented season due to Covid disruptions and given the late start to training, friendly games will be played in August/September.
During lockdown, the thing I missed most was the comradery of my teammates. I missed that feeling you get when 30 other people are on your team, supporting each other and believing in you and your abilities. I truly see my teammates like a family and I am glad to be back with them.
The Senior American Football League has been running in Ireland since 1985, with the national title game titled the “Shamrock Bowl” usually played in the first week of August. The most recent final was in 2019 at Energia stadium in Donnybrook, which my club the South Dublin Panthers unfortunately lost to the Belfast Trojans.
I’m really looking forward to getting back playing this summer and in preparation, my training has been focused on improving my speed, throwing mechanics (which is critical for my position at quarterback) and flexibility to decrease the likelihood of injury. Outside of my own games, I really look forward to and enjoy coaching the Academy (youth) team and having an impact on the upcoming young athletes and thereby helping to improve the sport here in Ireland.
Denise Hayes, HR Business Partner, Growth
Denise Hayes,
HR Business Partner, Growth
I am so excited to get back to some hiking and trail running this summer. Luckily, we have some fantastic trails and loops in south Tipperary that are close to my home. I’ve managed to complete some great 8km and 10km tail loops in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow over the past few years and this summer, I’m also really looking forward to a hike with friends to the top of Galtymore where the views stretch as far as Cork on a clear day. I had two failed attempts at the summit last summer due to weather, which is very changeable on the Galtee’s. The route from the Mitchelstown side is a fairly direct and manageable trek but for keen hikers looking for a bit of a scramble, the Ballinacourty side is fabulous, with lake views and (apparently) a famine wall.
Of course I can’t forget Tipp’s famous Slievenamon either, near Kilkash village, which is a real thigh burner and cardio workout. It’s a shorter trek but an easy route to follow, with views into Kilkenny and Waterford. All free bar the coffee and treat afterwards!
CELEBRATING PRIDE IN GLANBIA IRELAND
CELEBRATING PRIDE IN GLANBIA IRELAND
As we enter June, we continue to raise awareness about issues impacting under-represented employee groups across our business. This month, we all have the opportunity to recognise and join in our LGBTQ+ community’s Pride celebrations
Around the world, June is recognised as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) Pride Month to commemorate a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States —the Stonewall Uprising. The Uprising lasted six days in Manhattan in June 1969 as police clashed with LGBTQ+ protesters.
Today, Pride celebrations attract millions of participants each year as LGBTQ+ communities and allies honour their identity through parades, workshops, parties, picnics, lectures, concerts and more. Along with our Glanbia colleagues globally, we are inviting you to get involved in some way to celebrate our LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends and families.
On June 21st Siobhan Talbot, our Group CEO, will host a global employee forum discussion with Matt Lindley, an ex RAF Squadron pilot and one of the first openly gay pilots in the military. Please keep an eye out for more details on how to join this discussion over the coming days. You can also show your support of our LGBTQ+ colleagues by downloading GI’s MS Teams ‘Pride’ background for meetings throughout June by clicking here.
Please keep an eye out for communications about further activities during the month. We’d love to see more people getting involved and helping us shape activities. If you’d like to get involved or simply wish to make a suggestion, please email Helen at helenkiely@glanbia.ie.
PLANT PINK THIS SUMMER TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER
PLANT PINK THIS SUMMER TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER
CountryLife garden centres are doing their bit to support Breast Cancer Ireland
Our Plant Pink campaign has launched in all of our 14 award-winning garden centres across Leinster and Munster and online at CountryLife.ie. CountryLife are donating €2 to Breast Cancer Ireland for every one of its special ‘Tickled Pink’ Dianthus sold. The sun-loving plant was chosen because of its beauty, its unmistakable perfume, its resilience and its sun-loving characteristics. The specially chosen Pink Dianthus is grown in Limerick in a biologically friendly way with virtually no chemical pest control methods at the family-run Young Nurseries.
Tickled Pink is a compact, upright evergreen perennial that grows up to 30cm in height, with long, narrow blue-green leaves. It is neat and compact and is perfect for containers or borders. It has gorgeous vanilla-like scented lavender-pink flowers from summer to Autumn.
OATSTANDING TM ORGANIC OATS
OATSTANDING™ ORGANIC OATS
Meeting the changing lifestyle demands of health-conscious consumers
In this fast paced world, we see trends evolve and change, new technologies emerge, public health challenges grow and scientific advancements. Trends in the plant-based food market are quickly evolving due to increased consumer demand for products with associated health and wellness benefits. Boosted by a sustainable and natural positioning that reflects consumer demands, the market now provides tasty treats for consumers who are opting more frequently for planet-friendly choices. As a result of their hectic lifestyle and simultaneously rising health consciousness, consumers are more and more interested in sustainable food. Growing concern over ethical, environmental and health issues is elevating plant-based ingredients in food products.
In order to deliver great tasting, highly functional and nutritious products to meet these changing demands, we are delighted to introduce OatStanding™ organic oats, an exciting new product launch from The Plant Hub and the latest addition to our grains portfolio.
Sourced from Irish family farms, our organic oats are grown without any synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. They are available in jumbo and quick cook flakes and can be used in a broad range of applications from breakfast items and desserts to baked and raw treats, delivering excellent functionality to meet the lifestyle demands of consumers.
This new launch is a result of strong cross-functional collaboration between teams from Commercial, Quality, Research and Development, Supply Chain and Operations, Agribusiness and Milling.
To find out more about our organic oats, visit www.glanbiairelandingredients.com/ingredients/organic-oats
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH SUPER MILK!
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH SUPER MILK!
Avonmore Super Milks’ new advertising campaign launched recently, continuing to promote the product’s benefits, including Vitamin D, to Irish consumers
The concept behind this new campaign is to position Super Milk as a high performing milk for families, while bringing a smile to viewer’s faces. Its positive and uplifting tone is consistent with previous campaigns and follows on from the previous “Our Weather” ads.
When you get the most out of your milk, you get the most out of everything…
The ad campaign humorously encourages people to get the most of everything by seizing the moment and Super Milk can help you achieve that by ensuring your family have healthy bones and a strong immune system. Take a look at the full TV ad and keep an ear out for the radio version across the airwaves.
GLANBIA IRELAND AMONGST TOP 150 COMPANIES
GLANBIA IRELAND AMONGST TOP 150 COMPANIES
Glanbia Ireland was recently recognised in the inaugural Sunday Independent/Statista list of Ireland’s 150 Best Employers
GI’s ranking of 62 is based on the opinions of 6,500 employees from over 800 companies in Ireland who were independently surveyed by Statista which found that we are the highest ranked food/nutrition business on the list.
Survey participants were asked questions about work-life balance, working environment, the reputation of their employer, as well as how willing they would be to recommend their company to a friend. You can read more about the survey by clicking here.
SUMMER SERIES - COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS GI SHARE THEIR PLANS FOR THE SUMMER AHEAD
Yvonne Owens, Whey Intake Manager, Ballyragget on top of Sliabh Mór, Achill
SUMMER SERIES – COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS GI SHARE THEIR PLANS FOR THE SUMMER AHEAD
With holidays abroad looking unlikely this summer, Overherd asked colleagues across the country about their summer plans and what ‘hidden gems’ they enjoy in their own localities
Margaret Kenna,
People Services Specialist, Laois
For the moment, it looks like I will spend my summer locally around Laois/Kilkenny. Where I live in Co. Laois, there are some lovely walks and we have the “Leafy Loop” which is a 23km walk around the woodlands of Durrow, extending along country lanes, riverbanks and forest track. Walkers come from far and wide to complete the loop.
I enjoy walking there year-round and during the summer would go more often when the bluebells are out – it’s really beautiful.
With some good news in recent weeks about the easing of lockdown restrictions, I’m hopeful we’ll get to socialise again and meet up with friends at Castle Durrow for dinner or meet up for coffee and lunch in Bowes Foodhall. As long as the weather holds up of course!
Dáire O’Brien,
Business Development Manager, Killarney
My wife Ciara is a hotel manager so during the busy holiday periods, we tend not to venture too far from home so she can be close enough help out at work when needed. Luckily, Kerry is full of hidden and not so hidden gems that are easily reachable on day trips.
With a four-year-old, Rossbeigh beach is a real favourite as it has plenty of parking, a large playground and since the pandemic, a little converted horsebox selling great coffee just at the entrance to the fairy forest walk on the road to the beach. Between swimming, the playground and the forest walk, it makes for a really lovely day out. Stopping off in Emilie’s in Glenbeigh for some Italian pizza en-route back to Killarney is the perfect finish.
Sean Atkinson,
Sales Development Manager, Kilkenny
Like many, I will not travel abroad this summer due to travel restrictions, but I’m looking forward to taking some time off work and going back home to the west of Ireland to do some sailing around Inishmore Island and back to Rossaveal Harbour. Something on my bucket list for a while now is to take in the Wild Atlantic Way, in particular the stretch from the Cliffs of Moher down to Loop Head. Now that I’m living in Kilkenny, I plan on being a tourist in my own backyard with a visit to Kilkenny Castle and hopefully soak up more of the great local culture that Kilkenny has to offer!
“Keep the sunny side out even when it rains”
Yvonne Owens,
Whey Intake Manager, Ballyragget
Having not been home since Christmas, I’m really looking forward to getting back to Sligo as much as possible this summer. I can’t wait to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the beautiful beaches of the west coast with them – in particular Raghly in Sligo and Keem in Mayo. There’s also a beautiful hike in Strandhill covering Queen Maeve’s trail and Killaspugbrone that I want to take in – the views are spectacular.
Keep an eye out for the next edition of Overherd at Glanbia when our Summer Series will continue, featuring some of our colleagues who like to stay fit during the summer months and their thoughts on where’s best to bike, run, swim and play sports in Ireland
GLANBIA CREAM GOES GLOBAL
GLANBIA CREAM GOES GLOBAL
Glanbia-Almarai UHT Cream has launched in retail in the Middle East
Glanbia has won the UHT Cream contract to supply Almarai Dairy, the No. 1 brand in retail in United Arab Emirates with a market share of 26% and among the top brands in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries such a Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
Three units (35.1% Whipping Cream 200ml, 500ml and 1L) have been produced for Almarai Dairy and will be sold in retail in a number of countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Glanbia’s Cream will reach all major retailers across the Middle East including Carrefour, Hyperpanda, Lulu, Spinneys, Abu Dhabi and Union Coop and many others. This is estimated to add volume of over 2 million litres per annum and is a real game changer in terms of Glanbia’s footprint in the Middle East. Huge congratulations to both the Lough Egish and international team on this fantastic achievement!
Avonmore makes its mark at Bakery China
Bakery China in Shanghai, the world’s leading Bakery Expo, took place last week. Bakery China is a four day show with over 230,000 visitors expected to attend the event. The Avonmore Professional stand was prominently located in the International Dairy Hall, welcoming new and old customers with Chef Clyde and team serving up delicious cream desserts to the many stand visitors.
As one of the world’s largest economies, China has witnessed a huge surge in dairy consumption and this was a fabulous opportunity to showcase Avonmore UHT Whipping Cream to leading bakery buyers and professional chefs across China. As demand for dairy grows in China, Avonmore UHT Milk and UHT Cream have made a real impact delivering high quality grassfed products to consumers looking to include clean label, natural dairy goodness in their diet.
CHEWING THE CUD WITH… JAYNE SMYTH
Jayne with her dog Kygo
CHEWING THE CUD WITH… JAYNE SMYTH
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Glanbia Ireland employee and for our May newsletter, we spoke to Agronomist Jayne Smyth
Tell us how long you have worked in Glanbia and a little about your role?
I’ve worked in Glanbia since 2011. I worked part-time from 2011 to 2016 in the Kilberry and Athboy branches. In 2018, I started my current role as an agronomist. In this role, I provide technical advice to tillage farmers in relation to crop husbandry. I work in the North East of Ireland, which includes the counties Meath, Louth and Dublin.
Your department is one of the lesser-known teams in GI; tell us a bit about what the team looks after
We provide technical advice to tillage farmers in relation to crop husbandry. This includes soil nutrient advice, fertiliser requirements, identifying pests and identifying diseases in crops. We also look after all commercial transactions with our customers including selling them inputs to grow the crops e.g. fertiliser, seed and chemicals. We also trade grain with our customers, which involves customers selling their produce to Glanbia. The tillage team consists of 10 agronomists including myself.
What is your favourite thing about working in Glanbia Ireland?
The people that I work with, both in the North East and the tillage team. Teamwork is essential, especially for me personally. I work really well in a team and the people I work with in Glanbia Ireland are more like friends than work colleagues. I am very grateful to be in a job that I do not see as ‘’work’’, it’s just a way of life for me. The saying ‘’Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life’’ may be a bit of a cliché but I thoroughly agree with this statement!
What are you most proud of in your job?
Building relationships with growers to produce high quality and high yielding crops. Each season throws new challenges and keeps the job exciting but by working together, we achieve the best possible result for both Glanbia Ireland and the grower.
How do you describe GI to friends or family outside of work?
Glanbia Ireland is Ireland’s largest buyer of native grains and largest dairy processor. It’s Ireland’s largest supplier of farm inputs and the majority of our customers/suppliers are co-op shareholders.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to help on farms. I also spend time with my dog Kygo. There is nothing better than an evening run with Kygo to clear my head after a day at work.
What are you most looking forward to post Covid/lockdown?
I am most looking forward to going on holidays with my partner and Kygo as Kygo loves the beach. I am also looking forward to being able to catch up with friends and family who I have not seen as often because of the lockdown. The hairdressers opening will also be an added bonus!
TAKING THE DIRECT APPROACH
TAKING THE DIRECT APPROACH
Glanbia Direct positions GI to meet B2B buyer omnichannel expectations
The rate of digital adoption has quickened over the last year. Google says we have probably experienced the equivalent of 10 years’ worth of change. During this time, collaboration tools for work have been embraced, e-commerce has grown in importance and the expectations of B2B buyers have changed. According to a recent report from McKinsey, B2B buyers are not just moving to omnichannel, they have arrived. Given the choice of in-person, remote and e- commerce channels, purchasers have shown they want them all.
McKinsey’s research shows that omnichannel is not simply a trend or a pandemic workaround – it is an important fixture for B2B sales globally. In March 2020, as part of our digital enablement journey, we launched Glanbia Direct, our online B2B sales platform that gives customers 24/7 access to our primary ingredient portfolio.
One year later, the platform has delivered over €20 million in sales revenue and over 8,500mt of ingredients have been sold. In terms of recent developments, Glanbia Direct has now been integrated into the ingredients website.
Current research, trends and insights report that omnichannel interactions and experiences are now the preferred path for B2B buyers and decision makers. Glanbia Direct positions us to meet these expectations with a branded platform that places us at the forefront of today’s trading world.