Showcasing Innovation at Tirlán
Showcasing innovation at Tirlán
It’s been a busy few weeks for Ingredients Team colleagues who have hosted a number of customers recently
Mars Wrigley impressed to see Tirlán’s approach to sustainability
The Mars Wrigley Procurement & Sustainability team visited Tirlán recently as part of a mission to understand how their suppliers are approaching sustainability around the globe.
The team from the Mars Wrigley US, UK and EU offices started the day at Shane Fitzgerald’s Future Farm in Portlaw and moved to Abbey Quarter afterwards for sustainability and commercial discussions. They then closed the day with an innovation session at the AQ Customer Experience Centre.
Tirlán Senior Key Accounts Manager (Ingredients) Orla Slye told Overherd that, “This was the first time Mars Wrigley’s Global Dairy Sourcing Director has visited Tirlán in Ireland. Mars have a strong sustainability agenda and are keen to understand what their suppliers are undertaking in this space around the globe. They were really impressed to see Tirlán’s approach to sustainability and confirmed to us that we are already way ahead of many other suppliers and regions they are working with.
“Mars are aware of the high production standards Tirlán work to but it was great to get Mars out on farm so they could see our farmers strive for the same on-farm production and sustainability standards. We were also able to take them through the great work our Plant-Based team have achieved with our Gluten Free Oat sales to Kind US which is part of the Mars family.
The Mars Wrigley Team visits Shane Fitzgerald’s ‘Future Farm’ in Portlaw, Couny Waterford
“We got the opportunity to take Mars through our Plant and Protein Powder applications for the first time in our Innovation Session which was held in the Customer Experience Centre. They were particularly complementary as to how we presented both our Dairy and Plant offerings side by side and said it was a first for them. Our plant-based chocolate received very high praise indeed and they even took left over samples with them when they left!
An innovation session was hosted by our Dairy Protein and Plant Based teams where the Mars Wrigley Team got to experience / sample our Dairy and Plant based beverages, ice-cream and chocolate
“The visit overall was very successful and Mars have committed to opening doors to explore other areas of their business as a result. This success is the result of exceptional cross-collaboration with various teams, from Agri, Sustainability and Marketing to Product, Commercial and R&D! There was a big group involved in making this a success and a special thanks to all of those who contributed – #collaborateforsuccess at its finest!”
Condetta GmbH & Co. KG team members visit Ireland for the first time
As part of the Storck group, one of the largest sweets producers globally with brands like Werther’s Original, Merci, Nimm2, Riesen and Dickmanns, Condetta GmbH & Co. KG team members took a whirlwind two-day tour of Tirlán’s sites at Abbey Quarter, the Innovation Centre in Ballyragget, Virginia and Gerard Cooke’s Farm in Co. Meath.
Four of the five guests had never been to Ireland before and all were impressed by the Tirlán spirit, commenting that “they could feel that we like what we do.”
Pictured are Virginia Team Members who hosted guests from Condetta GmbH & Co. KG
Condetta is among the top three buyers of our MPC’s (Milk Protein Concentrate) out of Virginia. They blend our MPC in compounds which dairies in Europe use for producing high protein consumer packaged goods such as pudding, yoghurt, mousses and ready-to-drink shakes.
Regional Sales Manager (Ingredients) Kathrin Pasold told Overherd that “We had great engagement and really intensified the customer relationship during their visit to Ireland. As we’re in a changing market environment with large price corrections it’s the trust the counts a lot to keep sales running best possible.
“Looking towards future opportunities with this customer, they were highly impressed with oat solutions developed by the R&D team and there was also mutual agreement to work on solutions and new market concepts in the years to come.”
The Condetta GmbH & Co. KG Team visits Tirlán’s Innovation Centre in Ballyragget
Overall, there was fantastic cross-collaboration with all the colleagues involved, in front and behind the scenes to make this a memorable trip for the Condetta team.
Ewalco from Sweden focus on health and sustainability
Ewalco, part of the Humble group of companies, sent a team of four people which included their CEO to visit Tirlán late last month.
Starting in Portlaoise, Production & Process Manager Andrew Wilkinson took the team on a tour through the Oat Mill. Then it was off to the Innovation Centre in Ballyragget to provide technical training and tasting sessions on Tirlán’s oats portfolio as well as MPC (Milk Protein Concentrate) and WPI (Whey Protein Isolate). The next day, the team met in Abbey Quarter and were presented with market insights and had some further commercial discussions.
It was a great chance to present our full portfolio, Katherine Pasold explained to Overherd. “Ewalco is a private label manufacturer for sports and healthy nutrition and they currently purchase our MPC from Ballyragget. As they are part of a bigger group, hopefully this visit this will lead to further sales and we are also looking to expand sales of our oats portfolio with the company.”
Technical training and tasting sessions on Tirlán’s oats and proteins portfolio were hosted at the Innovation Centre
Chewing the cud with… Elaine Brady
Chewing the cud with… Elaine Brady
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our May newsletter, we’re talking to Elaine Brady
Ruminant Nutritionist Elaine Brady came straight to Tirlán after she completed her PhD in Early Lactation Dairy Cow Nutrition and is revelling in the role which sees her continue her research work, but also enjoy time in the field with the co-op’s business managers and farmers.
“I’m here a year and a half now. It has absolutely flown by. There was a time when spring would be a busy time but it’s busy year-round now. Last year, we had the fodder crisis and the fall-out from the drought and fertiliser prices. This year, it’s all about helping find sustainable solutions to help farmers after the long winter and struggles with grass growth.
“It’s great to be in a solutions-driven role and to be able to help our teams and our farmers get the results they need, particularly in a more sustainable manner. I’ve noticed an even stronger focus on delivering for our farmers and working closer than ever with them since we went back to our cooperative roots. There is so much regulation coming down the line that it’s crucial that we work closely together.
“When this role came up, I jumped at it. It is the perfect fit for me. I get to focus on the academic and research parts of my job and be outside, working with discussion groups, with our farmer facing teams and on Tirlán events. I grew up on a dairy farm in Westmeath so I also love being out of doors, getting stuck in.
“I enjoy my work on the technical development team and I provide technical updates to our farmer facing teams and farmers. My work also involves reviews and research into any new feed additives such as VistaMilk projects in Moorepark, with a focus on finding solutions to reduce methane emissions. I also work on projects that involve grass-fed substantiation and verification, responsible sourcing of soya and bringing the GAIN Momentum programme to life.
“My work is predominantly desk-based, but at different times of year I get to do dual calls with our business managers and regular training events with them. Lately, I’ve also started doing Discussion Groups with Teagasc which are great.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do today. It is key. We are working hand in hand with our farmer members to drive sustainability in animal nutrition, to increase efficiency and profitability on farms.
“Our farmers are very progressive, very open to help and support. They are enthusiastic and interested in taking on board the advice we give. It makes all the difference when you can get out and see what is happening on the ground and see the research and advice being put into action on farm.”
Elaine has now moved to Kilkenny and makes the two-hour journey back to Westmeath when she can to help out at home. “It made sense to move to Kilkenny and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve taken up running and run twice a week with my work colleague. I like to be outdoors, to run, walk or hike. It recharges the batteries, particularly after a week when you spend lots of time in front of a screen. There’s nothing like it.”
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk hits the shelves
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk hits the shelves
The Consumer team recently launched the latest addition to the Avonmore value-added milk range
The Consumer team is delighted to have recently launched the latest addition to the Avonmore value-added milk range – Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk, a low-fat milk with added fibre and vitamins.
Fibre is important for helping to keep our digestive systems healthy and working at their best. It’s recommended that adults consume 24-35g of fibre per day*, but 80% of adults in Ireland don’t get enough fibre in their diet.**
That’s why we’ve launched Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk, which contains chicory root fibre to help increase your daily fibre intake and to support your gut health+. Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is also enriched it with vitamin C and vitamin D, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
“The launch of Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is a result of true collaboration with colleagues from across the business, including R&D, Nutrition, R&SA, Ops, Supply Chain, Finance and Commercial. We believe we have developed a great tasting product that will address consumers growing desire for products with gut and immune health benefits and are excited to see it hitting supermarket shelves!” said Senior Brand Manager, Grainne Murray.
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk can be enjoyed in cereal or porridge, smoothies, hot drinks or as a drink on its own. It’s available in a 1 litre carton in supermarkets nationwide or from your local milkman now!
Competition time!
To celebrate the launch of Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk, Overherd at Tirlán is giving you the chance to win a €100 One4All voucher to spend on something healthy! To enter, simply tell us in the comment section of the Overherd newsletter, what is the daily recommended amount of fibre and adult should consume daily? You can also send your answers to employeecomms@Tirlan.ie
Good luck!
* INDI, 2016
** National Adult Nutrition Survey, IUNA 2011
+ Chicory root fibre contributes to normal bowel function by increasing bowel movement frequency
Competition Winners
Competition Winners
In the last edition of Overherd at Tirlán, we had two competitions with fantastic prizes on offer
The first of these was the opportunity for you to travel in style this summer with a €300 Samsonite Luggage Voucher up for grabs, thanks to Avonmore Super Milk.
Along with an on-pack offer giving consumers the chance of winning a €10,000 holiday voucher in partnership with Sunway Holidays, Avonmore Super Milk gave Overherd readers the chance to win the stylish luggage voucher.
All you had to do was tell us what your dream holiday destination is in 2023 and why.
Congratulations to Ciara Scallon from our Drogheda plant who told us that her dream holiday destination for 2023 is Bali! “I have my trip to Bali booked for August and have started planning my trip. Winning this competition would be amazing as my suitcase definitely needs updating before my trip.”
Sounds amazing Ciara, hopefully the new luggage makes the trip even better!
Overherd readers also had the chance of winning an Easter themed hamper/voucher to the value of €50, with thanks to Avonmore Fresh Cream.
All you had to do was tell us what you were serving on the table for lunch on Easter Sunday.
Congratulations to Darren Coleman from Tirlán’s Fonthill Depot who told us he was serving a slow roasted leg of lamb for eight people, with a lovely red wine lamb gravy, roast potatoes, asparagus, peas and a nice few glasses of red wine.
Hope you enjoyed it Darren! Your prize is in the post.
Vhi Assistance Programme for Farmers
A helping hand
Vhi support services for Tirlán farmer shareholders continue across 2023
Tirlán recently announced it is to continue to offer farmer shareholders access to a free and confidential counselling and information service provided by Vhi Corporate Solutions.
In times of crises or emotional distress Tirlán employees, farmer shareholders and their immediate families can have peace of mind that the Support Services from Vhi’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available 24/7 365 days a year.
The Tirlán farmer shareholders (EAP Programme) offers expert, practical assistance and emotional support for some of life’s challenges including:
- Advice on mental health challenges
- Addictions
- Financial pressures on and off farm
- Bereavement counselling
- Relationships and struggles with parenting
Speaking about the launch of the service for a second successive year, Tirlán Chairman John Murphy said: “This is a great resource for our farmer shareholders as it’s important to promote positive mental health. We’re all aware of the stresses that running a farm, like any business, can bring.
“We would hope that those who need it make good use of this counselling and information service offered through Vhi. We all need to remember that as much as we look after animal health, it is equally important to take a step back and look after ourselves as well.”
Tirlán employees and farmer shareholders also have the option to see a counsellor locally for up to six face-to-face counselling sessions and whether you decide to get in touch by phone or email, support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, support services for Tirlán farmer shareholders also provide access to a specialist information service, coaching programmes, trauma support and an interactive online portal.
To avail of this service, please call 1800 995 955 or email eap@vhics.ie
What the papers said…
What the papers said…
Media coverage around the official opening of Abbey Quarter
It’s a little under a month since the official opening of Tirlán’s Collaboration Hub at Abbey Quarter by Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney. You can click here for a summary of media headlines and full articles relating to the opening of Tirlán’s new Kilkenny office space.
Want to hear more? Watch the video below of Simon Coveney’s speech at the official Abbey Quarter opening.
GAIN Champion Collection Series 2023
GAIN Champion Collection Series 2023
The GAIN Champion Collection Series was launched recently at John O’Donoghue’s yard on The Curragh
The series, which boasts a fantastic prize pot of €220,000, commenced last weekend with the First Flier Stakes. Next up is the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes which takes place on May 27th. The series culminates with the final leg on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day with the Group 2 Railway Stakes, one of the oldest races in the racing calendar having first been run in 1851.
The GAIN Railway Stakes will be part of the Tote World Pool this year, providing increased international exposure of the race. The series extends further, with the winning horse of the Railway Stakes receiving automatic entry into the prestigious Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes.
GAIN is delighted to be associated with this series, enhancing the team’s relationship with The Curragh which commenced in 2012.
WATCH below: The GAIN Equine Nutrition team visited John O’Donoghue’s yard on The Curragh to launch the 2023 GAIN Champion Collection Series, which consists of three high quality races for two-year-olds.