Building Connections in China
Building Connections in China
In May, our Board and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) made a meaningful visit to our China office, strengthening ties and celebrating our growing presence in the region
The team in China proudly welcomed the delegation on May 19th to their new office space, which they had moved into May 2024. The familiar moss wall, mirroring the one at Abbey Quarter, offered a warm and symbolic connection to our Irish office spaces. The Board and ELT were impressed by the vibrant workspace and the thoughtful Tirlán corporate design touches throughout.
A major highlight of the visit was the 27th China Baking Expo, the country’s largest bakery trade event, which attracted over 400,000 professional bakery visitors. The Tirlán Board attended and took part in a special unveiling ceremony at our exhibit. Opening remarks were delivered by John Murphy, Tirlán Chairman; David Murphy, Irish Consul General in Shanghai; and Zhu Changlin, Honorary President of the China Bakery Association—all expressing their support for Tirlán’s continued success in China.
The momentum continued the next day with the Avonmore Professional Brand Townhall – Shanghai Station, held at the Primus Hotel. Seán Molloy, Tirlán CEO, kicked off the event with an inspiring keynote. Attendees enjoyed live demos from Avonmore Professional Brand Ambassador Gráinne Mullins, Dessert Inspiration Chef Ryosuke Sugamata, and Bakery Inspiration Chef Sen Chen, who showcased creative uses of Avonmore cream in their culinary specialties.
The Board shared how impressed they were with the energy and innovation on display, expressing confidence in the Avonmore Professional brand’s bright future in China’s dynamic bakery sector.
The final day of the visit brought the delegation to Beijing for a meeting at the Irish Embassy with newly appointed Ambassador Nicolas O’Brian. Both the Ambassador and Chairman John spoke warmly about Tirlán’s decade-long contribution to Sino-Irish trade.
As the Irish saying goes, “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – there is no strength without unity. This visit was a powerful reminder of the deep trust and shared vision that connect our teams across borders.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this visit such a success.
Watch a summary of the Avonmore Professional Bakery China
Saddle Up
Saddle Up
Tirlán and GAIN Equine Nutrition are supporting RDA Ireland’s Call for Volunteers
Tirlán, through GAIN Equine Nutrition, is proud to support Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland (RDA Ireland) in its latest campaign to recruit new volunteers for its weekly horse-riding sessions for adults and children with disabilities.
With over 400 volunteers currently supporting 30 RDA Ireland groups nationwide, the charity is calling on individuals who are confident around horses and available during weekday hours to lend a hand. Many of the current volunteers have been involved for decades and with the average age now over 65, there’s a growing need for new recruits to help sustain this life-changing service.
RDA Ireland’s sessions offer more than just riding; they provide therapy, socialisation, skill development and joy to over 380 service users across the country. Volunteers, too, benefit from the experience, gaining friendships, training and the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Dilys Lindsay, RDA Ireland’s Secretary and Deputy Liaison Person, who has volunteered for 26 years, shared: “It has been an amazing experience. We have lots of service users who have communication challenges, who live with Autism and other conditions. The impact the horse has on them is remarkable. Several have said their first word on a horse.”
Tirlán’s support is part of its ongoing commitment to community and equine welfare. Joanne Hurley, Head of Equine at GAIN Equine Nutrition, said: “We’re delighted to continue our support to another really valuable part of the equine industry through our partnership with RDA Ireland. It enriches the lives of so many service users, their families and communities right around the country.”
Employees interested in volunteering or learning more about the Sponsor a Rider Scheme, are encouraged to visit rdaireland.org and see how they can get involved.
Enhancing Our Customer Experience
Enhancing Our Customer Experience
Members of the Tirlán CountryLife Rewards Program can now earn and redeem Rewards Points online as well as in-store
This marks a major milestone in our omnichannel journey, ensuring customers enjoy a seamless and integrated experience, whether they choose to shop in person or online.
How the Rewards Program Works:
Customers can collect points on every purchase they make. The more they shop, the more they earn!
- Customers earn 5 points on every €1 spent on Gardening
- Customers earn 2 points on every €1 spent on Pet food and accessories
- Every point is equal to 1 cent to redeem off any purchase
A dedicated FAQ section, including step-by-step video tutorials, is now live on our website to help customers navigate the new online features with confidence:
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Together, we are making it easier and more rewarding for customers to engage with us, wherever and however they choose to shop.
Please Note: The Tirlán Countrylife Rewards Program cannot be used in conjunction with the Tirlán Staff Discount
Tirlán at Vitafoods Europe
Tirlán at Vitafoods Europe
Promiko and other ingredients from our range were on show at the recent Barcelona event
Our ingredients team had a very successful trip to Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona in the past few weeks, showcasing our dairy and plant-based portfolio, along with our whey protein isolate brand, Promiko.
The team had a busy and productive three days, with strong footfall on the stand and a high level of engagement. Numerous meetings were had with both existing and prospective customers, generating significant interest in Tirlán’s ingredient solutions.
This was the first year Vitafoods Europe was held in Barcelona and the event welcomed over 300 additional exhibitors and 6,500 more attendees compared to last year, making it an even busier three days for the Tirlán team.
Watch Kathrin Pasold, speak about the tradeshow here.
Watch back: Our Wellbeing - Building Healthy Routines
Watch back: Our Wellbeing - Building Healthy Routines
Enhancing Workplace Wellbeing with our Wellbeing Programme Launch
Wednesday 30th of April marked a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing workplace wellbeing at Tirlán. During Workplace Wellbeing Week, we launched an accelerated, long-term focus on mental, physical and social health through a variety of holistic approaches. This initiative, named OurWellbeing, aims to improve the lived experience of every employee.
Mick O’Leary, Chief People D&I & Org Development Officer, opened the event by setting the scene for workplace wellbeing at Tirlán and reaffirming our commitment to a holistic approach to our people’s wellbeing in the coming years. He introduced the new OurWellbeing programme and encouraged everyone to visit our new SharePoint site to provide feedback, emphasising that this programme is designed for you.
OurWellbeing is Tirlán’s new resource hub dedicated to enhancing the mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people. It offers a comprehensive programme that includes coaching, the Employee Assistance Programme, events, webinars, keynote speakers, leadership development and more.
Check out OurWellbeing Hub HERE
The event was led by Dr Mary Collins, a Chartered Psychologist and Coach, who shared research-based frameworks and practical strategies for developing emotional resilience and positive health habits. In her interactive workshop, Dr Collins guided us through these frameworks and strategies, encouraging us to make a personal commitment to work on one emotional leadership skill from the following – Control the Controllables, Appreciation and Gratitude, Love and Compassion and Move.
Dr Collins was then joined on stage by Peter Ryan, a Mental Resilience Advocate and Paralympian, who shared his incredible story of resilience and how he has applied these practices in his own life. His inspiring journey highlighted the importance of mental resilience and provided practical insights for everyone to relate to and incorporate into their own wellbeing journey.
This event is worth watching back as it offers valuable takeaways for everyone. It is a crucial part of our OurWellbeing programme, which aims to address the inevitable challenges of life and support our employees in building healthy routines.
Watch back HERE:
We encourage all employees to engage with our new OurWellbeing programme, visit the new SharePoint site and provide feedback to help us tailor this initiative to better serve you. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive workplace for everyone.
Reminder to donate to be in a chance to win!
Post a picture of your Workplace Wellbeing activity on Viva Engage or donate to Aware to be in with a chance of winning a €100 Elverys Sports voucher.
ELT Roadshow Round-up
ELT Roadshow Round-up
Have your say on our recent ELT Roadshow and help shape future events
Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) recently connected with international and Irish teams both virtually and in-person throughout the Tirlán network. The annual ELT Roadshow serves as a vital forum for delivering business updates, recognising our teams and engaging in meaningful discussions on matters of global and local importance.
The ELT Roadshow provided a fantastic opportunity for our people to connect and hear directly from our Leadership team. However, we recognise that there is always room for improvement. In line with our value of “Adapt to Grow,” we welcome your feedback on the ELT Roadshow to help shape future events.
Please take 5 minutes to complete the feedback form provided below.
Lastly, the annual ELT Roadshow would not be possible without the support of our local site managers, local HR business partners and the Employee Engagement Network, a dedicated group of individuals across the business who ensure the success of the Roadshow at each of our sites. Our sincere thanks go out to each of you.
Play this short photo reel for a selection of photos from across all ELT Roadshow 2025 locations.