Look, Smell, Taste
Look, Smell, Taste
Wexford Cheddar joins the “Look, Smell, Taste” campaign to combat food waste
Wexford Cheddar is proud to be a part of the “Look, Smell, Taste” campaign, a global initiative aimed at reducing food waste by empowering consumers to make informed decisions about food safety and usability. This campaign is a perfect fit for Wexford Cheddar, thanks to its robust quality assurance measures, sensory stability and extended shelf life beyond the best-before date.
The “Look, Smell, Taste” initiative not only showcases the inherent qualities of Wexford Cheddar, but also educates consumers on sensory evaluation methods. By teaching people how to assess food using their senses, the campaign fosters a culture of sustainability and responsibility. This approach can significantly reduce unnecessary food disposal, positively impacting both the environment and consumer behaviour.
To ensure the continued success of this initiative, ongoing monitoring, consumer feedback collection and education efforts are recommended. These steps will help strengthen consumer trust, enhance the product’s reputation and support broader food waste reduction goals.
As part of the global “Too Good to Go” initiative, the “Look, Smell, Taste” campaign is currently running in 14 countries, with over 6,000 SKUs added from 500 brands. Supported by the EPA in Ireland, the campaign has a coalition of partners including Guinness, Onken, The Laughing Cow and Ballymaloe.
The goal of the campaign is to encourage consumers to evaluate the condition of their food using sensory cues before deciding to dispose of it. This initiative aligns with legal standards and promotes a more sustainable approach to food consumption.
The proposed SKUs for Wexford Cheddar in this campaign include:
- Wexford Cheddar Mild & Creamy White Block 200g
- Wexford Strong & Vintage White Irish Cheddar 200g
- Wexford Rich & Mature Red Irish Cheddar 200g
- Wexford Rich & Mature White Irish Cheddar 200g
- Wexford Ferrycarrig Red Cheddar 200g
- Wexford Ferrycarrig White Cheddar 200g
By participating in the “Look, Smell, Taste” campaign, Wexford Cheddar is taking a significant step towards reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable future.
Save the Date
Save the Date
Get ready for the 2025 Tour de Tirlán Charity Cycle
We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Tour de Tirlán charity cycle will take place on Friday the 5th of September. This year, our goal is to raise an impressive €85,000 for three incredible charities – our charity partner Aware, the Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny and the Amber Women’s Refuge.
The Tour de Tirlán is not just a cycling event; it’s a powerful way for us to come together as a community and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a way to support a great cause, we encourage everyone to get involved.
More details about the event, including registration information and route details, will be shared over the coming months. In the meantime, you can take a look back at last year’s fantastic event and the success we achieved together CLICK HERE.
Mark your calendars and start preparing for an unforgettable day of cycling, camaraderie and charity. Let’s make the 2025 Tour de Tirlán our best one yet!
Consumer News Update
Consumer News Update
Avonmore launches exciting new campaigns for Protein Milk and Soup
Avonmore Protein Milk
Quarter one is a crucial recruitment period for Avonmore Protein Milk as a ‘new year-new you’ health and fitness mindset sets in and people are more open to fitness and protein products. As with previous years, this is onea of the heaviest activation periods for Avonmore Protein Milk to build awareness and recruitment into the brand.
During January, February and March, Avonmore Protein Milk will launch a more product focused campaign. The objective of the campaign is to hero the product, making the brand big and bold, to catch the attention of passers-by. The campaign aims to keep our product top of mind with consumers during this period while also dialing up the benefits of high in protein, fresh milk cues, taste and occasion, giving them lots of reasons to consider Avonmore Protein Milk.
Communications will appear on outdoor, retail advertising, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, along with a heavy sampling campaign across colleges, clubs and societies.
Avonmore Soup
Over the past couple of months, Avonmore Soup has undergone a pack refresh! Designed to appeal to a younger audience while highlighting the quality ingredients and benefits of the soup range, the new packaging gives our much loved soups a modern and vibrant feel.
While the outside may look different, customers can rest assured that their favourite recipes remain unchanged. To support this refresh, a multi-channel campaign including OOH (Out of Home), in-store and social media will drive awareness and reinforce our commitment to great taste and quality. Keep an eye out for the new look on shelves now! A big thank you to the team at Kilkenny Food Company for supporting such a smooth transition.
Watch back 2025 Outlook Webinar
Watch back 2025 Outlook Webinar
Updates on Tirlán’s plans for 2025
On Wednesday 22 January, Tirlán hosted a 2025 Outlook Webinar for all its shareholders and suppliers where senior Tirlán management and Board members provided updates on the business and plans for the coming year.
Watch back the recording of the Webinar here:
Ingredients 2024 lookback
Ingredients 2024 lookback
Check out the Tirlán Ingredients Highlights video showcasing the past year
Last year, the Ingredients team participated in numerous trade shows, trade missions and conferences. Hear directly from each Head of Category and learn more about their ingredient areas and the key activities that took place throughout 2024.
Honouring our Tirlán Trailblazers
Honouring our Tirlán Trailblazers
On Tuesday 17th December, Tirlán’s role models were recognised for truly embodying our values
On Tuesday, 17th December, we took some time out to celebrate colleagues across the business who were nominated as role models for our four values. We were joined in person by more than 200 people in Abbey Quarter and almost 300 colleagues online to share in the celebration. Out of more than 115 nominations, 10 individual awards were made along with four team awards.
Those recognised provided true insight into what living our values meant to the business and how their stories help us better understand how we can live our values through our own behaviours.
For those who didn’t get a chance to join us, a recording is available to watch below.
Get your steps in!
Get your steps in!
Register for the 2025 Step Challenge today
The well-anticipated Tirlán Step Challenge is back, starting on Monday, 20th January, and finishing on 16th February.
Last year’s step challenge was a blast, with 59 teams participating and a total of 69,408,427 steps counted. The winning team, The Marshmeadow Misfits from New Ross, set an impressive record with 2,455,843 steps. Will you be able to beat their record this year? Sign up to find out!
It’s time to get your teams of four in place and register using this form: REGISTER HERE
Closing date for entries is Thursday the 16th of January.
How It Works
It’s that time of year again to clear the cobwebs and get out your walking and running shoes! Sign up for the 2025 Tirlán Step Challenge to be in with a chance to win some great prizes for you and your team. Simply create a group of four with your colleagues, nominate a team leader, come up with a team name and start clocking up those steps!
Each team of four is required to nominate a team leader who will keep track of the team members’ total step count every week. At the end of each week, the team leader will receive a form to submit the team’s total number of steps.
An overall leaderboard will be posted at the start of each week, which will be available to view on the Tirlán intranet, Viva Engage and OneLan screens.
Prizes and Recognition
At the end of the four weeks, team vouchers and prizes will be up for grabs in the following categories:
- The team with the highest step count
- Branch Site Winners
- Operational Site Winners
- Office Site Winners
Additionally, there will be plenty of prizes and giveaways each week for the most creative team and individual photos of people getting their steps in posted on Viva Engage.
Best of luck to all participants!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact employeecomms@tirlan.ie
Chewing the Cud with... Cian Farrelly
Chewing the Cud with... Cian Farrelly
Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our January edition, we’re talking to Cian Farrelly a Production Manager in Virginia, Co. Cavan
Cian hails from Killoe, Co. Longford and studied Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering at University College Dublin. His career choices were influenced by his close connection to agriculture, having grown up near his grandfather’s farm. This early exposure to farming has been a constant in his life, and he continues to uphold this tradition.
Cian’s professional journey began as a student at Lakeland Dairies. He joined the Glanbia Graduate program in August 2015, starting as an Engineering Graduate in procurement, focusing on Energy and CapeX projects.
“I have been based in Virginia, taking on various roles, primarily in Engineering and Operations. Currently, I am the Production Manager in Virginia, where I am responsible for overseeing the milk processing operations. This includes converting milk into skim and cream, and ensuring the supply of cream to Diageo for Baileys, Lough Egish for UHT, and Killowen for yogurt production.
“I take great pride in maintaining the long-standing relationship we have with Diageo, which spans over 50 years, making Tirlán the exclusive supplier of cream for Baileys since its launch in 1974. I also value the dynamic and evolving relationship with Lough Egish, a relatively new business that continues to grow.
“Meeting customer demand and expectation can be challenging at times. But seeing the team effort on site and across the business in the different functions it takes to meet these expectations is enjoyable and rewarding, along with the continuous upgrades and improvement projects along the way.”
When asked about what he enjoys most about his job, Cian highlights the importance of maintaining and nurturing these key relationships. He finds fulfilment in contributing to the growth and success of these partnerships, which are crucial to the company’s operations.
“I’ve seen a lot of challenges over the years, especially with factors such as COVID and Brexit. But one of the toughest challenges going forward has to be the environmental and sustainability pressures. But with that also comes opportunities for different technologies and investments.”
Cian believes we have built strong partnerships with our customers by providing high quality Irish products and excellent service and consistent reliability. Cian adds: “I think we have strong relationships and trust built, as well as the dedication to supporting local farmers.”
When not on-site at our production facility in Virgina Co. Cavan Cian can be found on the pitch at Killoe Emmet Óg GAA Club. “I play football for my local club and have been fortunate enough to have won a couple of championships. I am heavily involved in the club and coaching the underage teams as well. I also play a bit of golf, but to be honest, I enjoy and follow most sports. I think it’s important to set aside time for yourself – when you have the time and do something you enjoy.”
Seán Molloy interview
Seán Molloy interview
Watch: In-studio Agriland interview with Seán Molloy
Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy sat down in studio with the online farming news portal Agriland before Christmas. The wide-ranging interview looked back at the weather challenges and supports offered by Tirlán throughout early 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, it highlighted the importance of protecting water quality to give Ireland the best chance of retaining the Nitrates Derogation. With milk supply volumes recovering to surpass 3 billion litres collected over the year, Seán Molloy highlighted that global commodity markets were looking positive for early 2025.
Watch the full Agriland interview here:
On the Record with Tirlán CEO
Unearth your Future – Year in Review
Unearth your Future – Year in Review
Members of Tirlán’s graduate programme made great strides forward in their career in 2024
Our Graduate Programme offers a series of real-world learning experiences that help you build confidence in your abilities and flourish in your careers. Let’s take a look back at the exciting and eventful year we had in 2024.
Visit to The Orchard Farm
In early February, graduates visited The Orchard Farm near Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, managed by Tirlán suppliers Joe and Michael Hayden. Joe guided the group through the farm’s 150-year history and showcased the state-of-the-art milking parlour. The visit highlighted the family’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, allowing graduates to see where Tirlán’s journey begins with grass-fed cows producing naturally nutritious milk.
Engagement with Agri Aware
In March, graduates collaborated with Agri Aware for the Walk & Talk Farm Series, representing Tirlán and speaking to students about careers in the agri-food sector, potentially inspiring future Tirlán graduates.
Site Visit to Portlaoise
In May, graduates visited the feed and oat mills in Portlaoise. Martin Gorman and Diarmuid Doran provided an overview and tours of the mills, giving graduates a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing processes involved in producing high-quality products.
September Milestones
September marked the beginning for 16 new graduates joining the 2024 Unearth Your Future Graduate Programme. They participated in workshops, company overviews and team-building activities. Additionally, the 2022 cohort was recognised for completing their graduate journey, showcasing their CI projects and receiving commendations for their agility in navigating changes over the past few years.
Graduate Mentoring Programme Kicks-Off
The 2023 Graduate cohort began their second year with a mentoring programme, focusing on personal growth and skill-building. They completed modules on personal impact, high-performing teams and understanding others and had a chance to meet with Tirlán Board members during a module in September.
End of Year Networking Event
The year concluded with the first Unearth Your Future networking event in early December at the Atrium in Abbey Quarter. Graduates connected with senior leaders in a relaxed setting, sharing perspectives and ideas, underscoring Tirlán’s commitment to developing future leaders.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. We are confident that our graduates will continue to make a significant impact on our company, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We look forward to seeing their growth and contributions as they embark on the next chapter of their careers with Tirlán. Here’s to another year of success and development!