China Team Visit
China Team Visit
Tirlán colleagues from China visited Ireland last month, with seven of the nine team members visiting the country for the first time
The purpose of the trip was for our Shanghai based colleagues to experience first-hand where and how the products they sell in-market are produced from the land we live and love.
A busy schedule saw the team tour our Collaboration Hub at Abbey Quarter where they also presented a half yearly report to Chief Operating and Consumer Officer, Jim O’Neill, and met with members of the HR team.
Tirlan’s Chinese Office Manager Eugene Shan told Overherd, “Everyday in Ireland was so fresh and exciting and the Abbey Quarter office is filled with information that my team members had never seen before on websites and promotional videos. Thank you to all colleagues at the Collaboration Hub for their warm welcome and the building tour. I’ve lots of gratitude for working in this loving and positive company.”
Abbey Quarter based colleagues welcomed the China Team to Kilkenny
With China being Tirlán’s main market for UHT Cream, a trip to our Lough Egish facility was a must on the itinerary and the team also visited a UHT supplier farm while in County Monaghan.
Assistant Marketing Manager Anne Chen said of her visit to Monaghan, “Visiting our herding farm nearby Lough Egish was one of the astonishing experiences, tracing milk and cream from origin and seeing the grass to glass lifecycle. Seeing rearing conditions and process of milking certainly boosts our confidence to promote ideas of high and natural quality of Avonmore dairy products!”
The team tours Tirlán’s Lough Egish Facility
Following their trip to the border county, the team were down south again at Tirlan’s Ballyragget facility and Innovation Centre where they received a butter and cheddar production site tour and also met with the R&D team to learn more about Tirlán’s Milk, Cream, Cheese, Butter and Oat Categories.
The team toured the Ballyragget Butter & Cheddar production sites
On the team’s final day in Ireland, they rounded off their Tirlán experience by visiting our Oat Mill in Portlaoise and by visiting a retail store where they got to see an impressive array of Tirlán products for sale at Tesco Extra in Naas.
Surmising their trip to Ireland and everything they experienced, Eugene told us, “Everything is so fresh and beautiful. Before arriving, I heard that the weather often rained, but during our visit, except for the short half day of rain, everything else was very sunny. The food, air, weather and all the colleagues we met made us have a very unforgettable and beautiful week.” Anne said: “I was deeply impressed by stunning natural scenery of Ireland, even in urban areas can enjoy free and clean air.”
Chewing the cud with… Lindsay Kavanagh
Chewing the cud with… Lindsay Kavanagh
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our August newsletter, we spoke to Lindsay Kavanagh
For newly appointed Belview Site Manager, Lindsay Kavanagh, 2023 has been an epic year so far. They say things come in three’s and so far this year, she’s gotten married to fellow Tirlán employee, Jim Mullins, they are expecting their second child and now the Kilkenny city native has landed her dream job, back where she first began working with Tirlán in 2014.
“I started out as a Team Leader in Belview and moved into various production roles. In 2019, I moved to Ballyragget and into a Process Team Manager role. I was in Ballyragget until May of this year and moved back to Belview for what I thought was a short stint.
“I loved working in Belview. I always did. When I started out here, we were commissioning the plant so I really got to see it grow over the years and enjoyed working with the people here. When I walked back in here in May, it was like I had just been on holidays. I hadn’t been on the site for almost four years, but I settled right back in.
“Because of the time in my life, I wasn’t sure if I’d apply for the Site Manager role or not. But I’d previously slotted right back after my first maternity leave so decided to put my name forward. I talked it through with different people around the business and it wasn’t an issue. Tirlán is the type of working environment that sees you for who you are – not what you are. It values what you can contribute and not what stage in life you are at.
“The company has really grown since I started out. When I started, our focus was on processing milk, now we really put the emphasis on our customers and demand but even with that change, it’s still like one big family.”
Lindsay came to Tirlán directly from Kerry Group where she started out in Coleraine on their Graduate Programme.
“I always wanted to come back home to Kilkenny. Having Tirlán on my doorstep gave me a world of opportunities.
“This new job is my seventh role with Tirlán. Each and every one of them have been absolutely brilliant and I’m very thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve been given. There are very clear progression pathways for employees and plenty of help and support to get there.
“The variety is the best part of my new role, but it will also be the most challenging part, given that much of my experience has been in operations. But I’m eager to learn.”
And while having a two and a half year old keeps her hands full, Lindsay says: “I like to be busy. But to relax, I love spending time with friends and family.
“We have quite a large extended family, with plenty of nephews and nieces to spend time with. We also have dogs and horses so the majority of our time outside of work is spent in the great outdoors. We’re very happy in life and in work and it’s been an incredible year so far. We couldn’t ask for more.”
Top honours for Tirlán cheese
Top honours for Tirlán cheese
Tirlán wins eight medals at prestigious International Cheese & Dairy Awards, including gold for plant-based cheese
Top-quality cheddar produced at Tirlán’s Wexford and Ballyragget plants has won eight medals at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards held in the UK recently, beating competition from over 5,000 international entries.
Among the top prizes won by Tirlán at the prestigious awards were gold in the Longest Vegan Stretch Cheese competition and the Volac trophy for the Best Medium Creamery Block Cheddar.
Garry Sheehan, Product Manager, Plant-based Cheese, said his Plant Hub Teammates were thrilled to win gold in the Longest Vegan Stretch category. “This is the first time we’ve entered our vegan cheese in any awards and to win a gold medal on our first outing is phenomenal.
“We launched our plant-based cheese concept for pizzas in December 2021. Oat-Standing™ Plant-Based Grated Pizza Mix has been developed specifically for use on pizza. It is an excellent plant-based alternative to give consumers a cheese-like experience.
“We knew ourselves that we had a good product. But to win this award is a huge boost to the entire plant-based team and an incredible seal of approval from the international judging panel.”
Gerry Warren is a Tirlán Cheese Grader. He said the judges commented that the texture and flavour of Tirlán cheddar really stood out. This, he says, is down to the top-quality milk supplied by Tirlán’s dedicated farm families. It helps them produce the highest quality, sustainable, grass-fed cheeses which win awards year after year.
Gerry said: “We are delighted to have achieved such a strong performance at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards yet again this year. We were once again up against stiff competition from other leading cheddar producers to win three gold, four silver and one bronze medal.
“We take great pride in what we do and it shows in the awards we’ve won again this year. We continue to strive for excellence. Our talented teams in both Rocklands in Wexford and in Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny played a huge role in these wins. They must be commended for their attention to detail every day. This ensures that we deliver top-quality cheddar for our valued customers.”
Click on the video below to hear more from Gerry after he picked up the Cheese Awards on behalf of Tirlán.
Tirlán CountryLife Bunclody marks official opening
Tirlán CountryLife Bunclody marks official opening
The Wexford branch is the first of 52 to be revamped under €11m investment programme
Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody officially marked the opening of its doors recently following a major refurbishment and is the first in Tirlán’s 52-strong branch network to benefit from an €11 million plus investment programme.
Along with significant store design renovations, the store footprint has been extended by 500 square feet, making way for an additional 2,000 new product lines. Cutting the ribbon and officially opening the doors of the remodelled branch, Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy said the investment is a clear demonstration of our co-operative’s commitment to deliver on its promise to invest in rural Ireland and improve vital services in the communities we serve.
Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Tirlán CountryLife Store in Bunclody
Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody was the pilot branch for the comprehensive store investment programme announced by Tirlán earlier this year. The exceptional customer experience that has been created in this concept store, for both farming and garden centre customers, will now be replicated across our network of branches over the next four to five years.
Tirlán plans to transform its branch network and achieve a completely new look to meet the evolving needs of the towns, villages and rural communities we serve, John Murphy said.
“This branch, like so many more, is part of the fabric of this local community. This investment signifies the Co-op’s commitment to playing its part in enriching the lives of those living and working in this community. Tirlán is committed to developing a modern network of stores that service the evolving needs of farmers and the communities we serve,” he said.
Watch: Video of official opening of Tirlán CountryLife in Bunclody
Mark Morrisey, Store Manager, said the branch has never been busier and thanked customers who continued to support the business as the renovations were underway. “This comprehensive revamp took a little over three months to complete. We thank our loyal customers for their patience. We have futureproofed our presence in Bunclody with this investment. It is a clear indication of our longstanding commitment to farmers, to the people of Wexford and to this community.
“We’re delighted with the new shop layout, new flooring, shelving, extra cashier desks – one dedicated specifically to our farming customers. The new coffee dock adds another dimension to the store and we’re seeing lots of garden centre customers grab a coffee while they browse. This is the first time Tirlán has added this service to any store.
“Our extended garden centre has allowed for an increased range of plants in particular, along with more inspiration for budding gardeners,” he said.
While work has now concluded in Bunclody, phase one of renovations in Castlelyons Co. Cork and in Athboy Co. Meath have already been completed. Phase 2 in both stores is due to get underway soon.
In addition, work is beginning this month in one of Tirlan’s Kildare branches in the town of Monasterevin. It will be transformed under a programme of significant renovations. Tirlán’s largest store and garden centre development to date is planned for its branch in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. This work is expected to begin later this year.
Planning work is well underway for a number of further store upgrades in 2024, which will see the farmer-owned cooperatives branch network further transformed.
Making food safer
Making food safer
UCD’s DiTECT project aspires to establish the foundation for future food safety monitoring platforms through data collected in real-time via cost-efficient sensors
Tirlán is proud to be the sole industry partner from Ireland in an EU/China project that brings together research, industrial and food authority partners to make food safer and more sustainable for all.
Tirlán’s role in the project focuses on using imagery to rapidly detect or monitor moisture content and any potential microplastics in food dairy products, ultimately making it more sustainable as promised under the Living Proof sustainability strategy.
The cheese plant in Ballyragget is the testbed for examining variation and develop specific product models for moisture detection through rapid image analysis. They are also looking at microplastic detection methods in dairy powder spikes.
Food Science Analyst, James Anyange, originally hails from Kenya and he works on the joint European / Chinese project in conjunction with UCD. While much of his laboratory work is conducted from his base in UCD working with Prof Colm O’Donnell and Prof Ming Zhao, James has visited Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny on a number of occasions and been to Ballyragget to check on the production process.
James’ appointment is a prime example of how Tirlán is looking outward and really thinking outside the box to attract talent. There are 21 EU partners on this project and Tirlán is the only Irish industry partner. Looking to the future, the work on this project from a food safety to a microplastics viewpoint, very much helps Tirlán deliver on its ESG strategy.
James told Overherd, “I came to Ireland in 2021 to complete my Masters in Food Engineering. I spotted this role on LinkedIn following a recommendation from my supervisor in UCD. I started in April. From day one I was made feel very welcome, very much at home.
Pictured at Abbey Quarter are from left, Prof. Colm O’Donnell UCD DiTECT Project Lead, Dr. Ming Zhao, UCD Postdoctoral Researcher, James Anyange and Joe Tierney, Tirlan’s Head of Regulatory and Food Safety
“Some companies will talk about diversity and inclusion. Tirlán lives by it. There is a great sense of collaboration and teamwork on this project. You are instantly part of a team, no matter where you come from in the world. The townhall meetings are great and it’s an environment in which people’s views are heard and are respected.
“I have Kenyan friends who are studying in Ireland, some in the areas of food safety, others in finance. I’d definitely recommend living and working in Ireland to them. There is a strong collaborative culture here.”
Emerging Leader Programme 2023
Emerging Leader Programme 2023
Designed to provide career development around leadership, participants of the 2023 Emerging Leader Programme attended their first two-day module in Barberstown Castle, Co Kildare
Emerging Leader Programme participants at Barberstown Castle were Paul James, Eamonn Mooney, Gordon Grey, Katie Dwane, Joanne Somers, Nicola Cooney, Steve Clarke, Ian Dunne, Kevin Dunne, Nikki Wallace, Lindsey Kavanagh, Mike O’Neill, Cian Moloney, Stuart Scott, Emma Shepard, Orla Slye, Eoghan Brophy and Rebecca Barron
The first module focused on understanding coaching as a leadership style and there was plenty of opportunity for attendees to practice their coaching skills while networking with fellow emerging leaders. Business Excellence Specialist Eoghan Brophy explained that “the two-day event encouraged us to use our coaching skills in a psychologically safe environment while getting to know colleagues from across the business. We looked into how courageous conversations, active listening and impactful communication can motivate everyone around you.”
Building networks across our organisation is an important part of the programme and participants worked closely together during the sustainability themed (and fairly competitive) team building event on day two. Teams were given material which they had to “purchase” to create a working windmill. The winning team were the ones able to construct it for the lowest net cost.
The winners of the team building event proudly display their medals and functioning windmill!
Katie Dwane also participated in the two-day event. She told Overherd: “The first module of the Emerging Leader Programme was a great success. It allowed us to network with others within the business and finally get to meet those we had contact with but had never formally met. The two days gave us a huge opportunity to gain valuable skills in coaching and the chance to practice them within a safe space. During this time, we were asked to self-reflect to help enlighten us both personally and professionally, while also providing us with the tools to achieve our goals in the future, all in an enjoyable way of course! “
And the winner is…
And the winner is…
In the last edition of Overherd, Tirlán CountryLife gave readers the chance to win a Sahara X350 3 Burner Gas BBQ to be enjoyed with friends and family in your garden this summer
All you had to do to win was sign up to the Tirlán CountryLife weekly ezine by clicking this link.
Congratulations to our randomly selected winner, Michelle Collins from the R&D Team! Please keep an eye on your email Michelle for details on how we’ll get the BBQ to you.
BBQ Competition
Win a Sahara Gas BBQ worth €599!
If you’d like to experience the joys of barbecuing on this brand-new grill, all you have to do is sign-up to the Tirlán CountryLife weekly ezine by clicking this link Overherd Tirlán CountryLife (mailchi.mp)
Don’t forget your staff discount!
Shaping Our Future
Shaping Our Future
Organised to educate and inspire on the topic of sustainability, Tirlán’s First ESG Summit was a huge success
Tirlán’s first ESG Summit took place in the Lyrath Hotel Kilkenny last month, bringing together ESG experts and advocates to discuss and debate our organisation’s sustainability journey so far and to accelerate awareness and understanding of the changes and opportunities that lie ahead.
Hosted by Chief ESG Officer Lisa Koep, the event aimed to educate and inspire on the topic of sustainability, to stress the urgency of our collective action and to build on the momentum already in place through our Living Proof strategy.
Speaking with Overherd after the summit, Lisa told us: “It was an honour for me to host Tirlán’s first ESG Summit. When planning the event over the last number of months our objectives were clear; to accelerate the understandings and discussions around sustainability across Tirlán, to ensure everyone understands why now is the time for action and to be clear that each individual can make an incredible difference to our organisation and our world.”
Tirlán’s Chief ESG Officer Lisa Koep
Tirlán has been making great strides in its sustainability efforts over recent years and the ESG Summit marked an important point in our journey as we begin to move the conversation beyond the ESG team and Sustainability Hub to the wider organisation. Our Purpose to Nourish Lives in Balance with Nature is a powerful statement upon which to base these conversations and the actions required to accelerate transformation.
Lisa went on to explain how “Climate change is already making it harder to feed a growing planet and at the same time, unsustainable food systems are worsening the problem, creating a vicious cycle. It’s clear we must move to a better way of nourishing our growing planet, equitably, affordably and sustainably. That puts the food and agricultural industry on the front line, with a unique and important role to play.”
The good news is that Tirlán, a global provider of dairy and plant nutrition solutions, with a value chain that spans over 100 countries and encompasses 6000 farm families, is stepping up to the challenge by working with farmers to help them protect and restore our nature and climate as well as growing food in the most sustainable way we can.
At our first ESG Summit, the audience heard from Tirlán’s resident experts on sustainability, those colleagues that work day in day out as agents of change across stakeholder groups. To complement this, we were also joined by industry experts from retail, banking and policy sectors who gave great insights on their expectations of Tirlán and their own journey in this sphere.
Internal Subject Matter Experts from L-R John Finlay, Michelle Collins, Thomas Ryan, Louise Hogan and Sarah Purcell discussed the pillars of Tirlán’s Living Proof Strategy with Audrey O’Shea (far left)
Across all of the discussions on the day, it was clear that we have challenges ahead. What was equally clear were the opportunities that will present themselves if we innovate and seize them.
The summit’s keynote speaker, Marie Donnelly, talked about Ireland’s track record in emerging with unrivalled energy when met with challenges and indeed Tirlán and its people have time and time again been shown to embrace opportunities and make gains through similar agility and innovation.
Marie Donnelly, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council
Tirlán’s ESG Summit brought together 200 employees who are directly involved in or responsible for sustainability in our organisation. We have tasked them to come on board and act as ambassadors for our messages, our activities, impacts and our plans for the future. They will work with the ESG team to bring all 2300 employees on this incredibly important journey together. Collectively, we can and will make a difference.
Pride at Tirlán
Pride at Tirlán
Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Tirlán throughout Pride month
Throughout June, we celebrated the LGBTQ+ community at Tirlán. As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, a series of activities and events highlighted the significance of Pride Month. This year, we were honoured to host an enlightening conversation between Professor John Amaechi and our very own Business Excellence Manager, Will O’Carroll.
Professor John Amaechi and Business Excellence Manager, Will O’Carroll
As we conclude this year’s Pride Month celebrations, there are things we have learned throughout the month that we can incorporate into our everyday interactions with the people around us.
Professor John Amaechi and Will O’Carroll have reminded us that an inclusive workplace fosters innovation, improves performance and enhances overall employee sense of belonging and well-being. Let us continue to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their unique traits, feels valued and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.
John Amaechi, a renowned Psychologist, former NBA Basketball player and a prominent advocate for inclusion, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Will O’Carroll. Together, they explored the importance of diversity and inclusion in our organisation and how it positively impacts our workforce and beyond. Their conversation emphasised the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone encouraging each of us to challenge bias and inappropriate behaviours in the workplace.
If you didn’t get the chance to participate in the discussion live, it’s available to view here.
Throughout the month, Tirlán colleagues were encouraged to participate in various Pride activities which aimed to educate us more about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and shift thinking and behaviours to create a more inclusive culture.
Our friends at Mix Diversity, DEI Consultants, provided a series of educational videos, some of which can viewed below:
- What is an ally? https://youtu.be/PzzwctdDynk
- What is Intersectionality? https://youtu.be/0nWAsJoXxWA
- What are pronouns? https://youtu.be/Kx60VwgSFmk
- What is the gender binary? https://youtu.be/Q1OCAcztQzU
- What is outing? https://youtu.be/IWZ3zbMrnQY
- Meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ People in the workplace https://youtu.be/ZCfbnk5G4t0
- Shaping a supportive conversation https://youtu.be/K48vAHtvsOE
One of the most visible displays of support during Pride Month was the flying of pride flags across all our sites. From our Collaboration Hub at Abbey Quarter to our sites and branches, the vibrant colours of the rainbow flag filled our spaces, symbolizing our commitment to equity and inclusivity.
As we conclude this year’s Pride Month celebrations, there are things we have learned throughout the month that we can incorporate into our everyday interactions with the people around us.
Professor John Amaechi and Will O’Carroll have reminded us that an inclusive workplace fosters innovation, improves performance and enhances overall employee sense of belonging and well-being. Let us continue to create an environment where every individual, regardless of their unique traits, feels valued and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.