Bringing Ingredients to Life
Bringing Ingredients to Life
Our Ingredients Team shines at IFT FIRST in Chicago
Our Ingredients team recently returned to Chicago for their second appearance at the IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research Science and Technology) tradeshow, one of North America’s largest gatherings of science and ingredient professionals. With over 1,000 exhibitors and 17,000+ attendees, the event offered a dynamic platform to explore innovation, connect with industry leaders and showcase Tirlán’s cutting-edge ingredient solutions.
Representing both our Dairy and Oatstanding™ portfolios, the team engaged new and existing customers with a range of interactive samples that brought our ingredients to life. The presence of colleagues from Sales, Marketing, Category and R&D highlighted the power of cross-functional collaboration and the strength of our unified approach.
Their efforts not only elevated Tirlán’s visibility, but also reinforced our commitment to innovation and partnership in the global ingredients space. Well done to all involved.
Supporting our farming community
Supporting our farming community
Tirlán donated €5,000 to Embrace FARM for this year’s Farm Safety Week
As part of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our farming community, we were proud to support Farm Safety Week, which took place on the 21st – 25th July. This week offered a vital opportunity to highlight the importance of farm safety, prevent accidents and promote awareness of key risks on farms.
We urged farmers to prioritise farm safety every day and delivered a €5,000 donation to support the charity Embrace FARM on Farm Safety Week 2025.
The donation, presented at our Abbey Quarter Collaboration Hub, will directly support the organisation’s expanding services for over 600 families nationwide. Embrace FARM is Ireland’s leading support network for farm families affected by sudden death and serious injury.
John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said: “On Farm Safety Week, we’re urging our suppliers to look at their farm with fresh eyes and ensure their workplace environment is as safe as possible every single day of the year to protect them and their families.”
“Behind every statistic that we hear about in the news, there is a family. Embrace FARM provides help and strength to these families during the darkest times. Our Co-op is supporting the organisation on behalf of our farmers with much needed funding in 2025 just as we have in years past.”
Founded by Tirlán suppliers Brian and Norma Rohan, Embrace FARM has grown into a vital support system for families navigating the aftermath of farm tragedies. From one-to-one counselling and peer support groups to legal and financial consultations, the organisation provides tailored care to those facing life-altering events.
Lisa Tierney, Communications Support Coordinator at Embrace FARM, added: “Each family’s journey is as unique as the loss they’ve faced. The continued support from Tirlán helps us walk beside them in that journey, on their terms and in their time. It’s more than financial support, it’s a partnership built on compassion and shared values.”
With the average cost of support per family totalling €2,165, consistent funding is critical – especially in agriculture, which remains Ireland’s most dangerous workplace sector. This year’s funding will help Embrace FARM expand its expert-led services and reach even more families in need.
Peddling for hope
Peddling for hope
Our Tour de Tirlán team are pedalling for hope, one charity at a time
Each September, the Tour de Tirlán brings together colleagues from across Tirlán to cycle for a cause and the impact of those efforts is nothing short of extraordinary. Since its launch 12 years ago, the annual charity cycle has raised over €476,000 for local and national charities, transforming lives and communities across Ireland.
Last year, one of our chosen charities was the Aiséirí Aislinn Centre in Ballyragget, a residential treatment centre supporting teenagers aged 14-18 who are struggling with addiction. Thanks to the funds raised by our employees, the centre was able to install a new heating system, upgrade gym equipment and improve lighting in their PE room creating a warmer, more welcoming space for young people on their journey to recovery.
When Barbara Brown and Marypaula Kelly visited the centre, they were deeply moved by what they saw. “I was blown away by the warmth of the people working there and the young boys themselves,” Barbara shared. “It reminded me of the Father McGrath Centre, full of hope, healing and heart.” She described the centre as a lifeline for teens who often arrive with nothing, many of whom have faced poverty, trauma and a lack of role models. With early intervention and the right support, the outcomes can be life-changing.
This year, the Tour de Tirlán committee has set an ambitious goal: to raise €85,000 in support of three incredible charities – our charity partner Aware, the Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny and the Amber Women’s Refuge. This year’s charity cycle takes place on Friday, 5th September, and offers four route options, including a 45km eBike-friendly route for those who want to join the fun without owning a bike.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a bit of craic, there’s a place for everyone. So, why not saddle up and be part of something bigger? Your participation helps fund vital services and brings hope to those who need it most.
Register now and join us in making a difference, one kilometre at a time.
Bike hire
Tour de Tirlán 2025 will take place on Friday, 5th September, offering a range of cycling routes: 45km, 100km, 140km, and 185km to suit all levels. Participants can now opt to complete the 45km route using an eBike, available for hire at €30 by contacting Barbara Browne at bbrowne@tirlan.ie.
Dates for your diary
An information session will be held on Thursday, 7th August at 10am, and weekly training spins are now taking place every Wednesday to support those preparing for the 45km and 100km routes.
Register by August 15th to guarantee a jersey
Powering Ballyragget
Powering Ballyragget
We’ve turned the sod on our solar farm to power our largest production facility
We are delighted to officially commence work on a major renewable energy project at our largest, multi-purpose integrated dairy facility in Ballyragget.
The 6.5 hectare, 8 MWp ground-mounted solar farm is being delivered in partnership with ESB’s Smart Energy Services and is expected to be completed in early 2026. It will reduce the site’s carbon footprint and its reliance on grid electricity. The solar farm will be a “behind-the-meter” self-generation project, meaning all energy produced will be consumed directly at the Ballyragget facility.
Well done to all involved in this project to date especially the Ops and Supply Chain, Ballyragget Operations, ESG, Procurement and Engineering teams.
COVA Spotlight: Winter Butter for Puff Pastry
COVA Spotlight: Winter Butter for Puff Pastry
Tirlán’s COVA Program Drives Cost Reduction and Adds Value Across All Teams
In April, we introduced COVA to you. Tirlán’s COVA (Cost Out, Value Add) program is a company-wide initiative designed to either reduce costs or add value through transformative projects. It includes rigorous and independent financial verification, and every function, team, and individual plays a role.
Motto: Everybody–Everyday–Improving
We would like to introduce a Value Add Focus. Value Add initiatives targets higher-margin products with the aim of increasing sales. A notable example of this effort is the Winter Butter project.
Winter Butter for Puff Pastry
Winter butter is produced during the colder months when cows are housed indoors. This results in butter with a harder texture and distinct flavour profile compared to summer butter.
Why It Matters
These characteristics make winter butter ideal for baking and pastry applications, particularly in the high-value industrial butter market. With rising demand and static supply, this presents a strategic opportunity for Tirlán to add mutual value for both customers and the business.
To strengthen Tirlán’s leadership in the butterfats category, the team aimed to create a functional winter butter tailored for laminated pastry applications like puff pastry and Viennoiserie.
Customer-Led Innovation
The project was driven by understanding the needs of our customer. Key bakery industry leaders were engaged to define the specific functional properties needed for successful lamination. These partnerships helped refine the product to meet real-world baking demands.
In 2020, the Commercial team launched a butter mapping project to analyse butter properties throughout the year. Simultaneously, R&D began collecting data on:
- Product performance
- Cream treatment
- Functional requirements for baking and pastry
Trial and Testing
Over three years (2022–2024), 17 plant trials were conducted. These trials, supported by technical projects, helped meet the defined requirements. The Applications team demonstrated Tirlán’s competitive edge over European alternatives.
The project was tracked via the Butterfats hub, focusing on:
- New material and product specifications
- Forecasting
- Customer acquisition
Marketing Execution
To promote the new product, marketing materials were developed and shared through:
- Webinars
- eShots
- Videos
- Food Ingredients First platform
Commercialisation and Customer Feedback
The Winter Butter for Puff Pastry was commercialised in 2024. Partner customers began using it in their bakery production.
Customer Success Story
Belgian bakery specialist Vandemoortelle reported positive results:
“Winter butter for pastry application was utilised in application and we are very satisfied with the performance.”
Collaboration with Vandemoortelle led to a new initiative: Project Humour 2.0, which aims to:
- Maximise winter butter production across both churns in Ballyragget
- Produce Bakery Butter during the summer for bakery and filled Viennoiserie applications
This cross-functional project will further increase volumes of value-add functional butter.
The Winter Butter Project marks a major advancement in the butterfats category. Key achievements include:
- Meeting customer needs through collaboration
- Delivering value-added butter without capital expenditure
- Generating a premium over market benchmarks
The project has successfully positioned Tirlán as a market leader in the butterfats category, especially in high-value pastry sectors like puff pastry and Viennoiserie.
If you would like to learn more about the Winter Butter for Puff Pastry value add project please do not hesitate to contact Olwyn Pentinga on email – opentinga@tirlan.ie
Tour de Tirlán Registration is now live!
Tour de Tirlán Registration is now live!
Join us for the 12th edition of the Tour de Tirlán charity cycle, taking place on Friday, the 5th of September. This year, we’re aiming to raise €85,000 in support of three incredible charities: Aware, Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny, and Amber Women’s Refuge.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or joining for the fun and community spirit, there’s a route to suit everyone — 185km, 140km, 100km, and a welcoming 45km option.
This year, the Tour de Tirlán committee chose to fundraise for Aware, the Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny, and the Amber Women’s Refuge.
On the 8th of May, we welcomed representatives from our three chosen charities to speak with employees about the impact of past donations – and how they plan to use the funds raised through the 2025 Tour de Tirlán
Tour de Tirlán is always a day full of fun, camaraderie, and community spirit – and we’ll wrap it all up with a celebration at the Barrell Yard in the Smithwick’s Experience Centre.
We would especially like to highlight the 45km route as a great way to get involved. It’s designed to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a bit of craic, we really encourage you (and your friends!) to sign up.
STEP 1: Register as a Cyclist
Complete the Tour de Tirlán Cyclist Registration form by clicking the button below:
Please be aware that a €60 registration fee is required via the iDonate Fundraising page in order to complete your registration for the event and secure a jersey.
STEP 2: Pay the €60 Registration Fee
To register, donate €60 to the Tour de Tirlán iDonate general page. Be sure to include your name and write “REGISTRATION” in the comment section.
STEP 3: Set up your personal iDonate Page to collect donations
CLICK HERE for a step-by-step guide to setting up your personal iDonate page and reaching your fundraising goal.
Entry Costs & Fundraising
We are aiming high this year with a fundraising goal of €85,000 for our three amazing charities.
To get there, we need as many cyclists and supporters as possible on board. Your entry fee includes everything for the day-event support, insurance, a branded jersey, post-cycle BBQ and drinks, plus access to physio and massage therapists.
Registration Fee
| Distance | Registration Fee | Includes |
| 45km, 100km, 140km, and 185km | €60 | Cycling jersey, physio access on the day and post event BBQ. |
Please note:
Route distances are subject to change slightly.
To be guaranteed a jersey for the event you must register by Friday, 15th of August.
All cyclists are expected to reach the following fundraising targets (all money raised will go directly to the charities) not including the registration fee.
| Distance | Fundraising Target |
| 45km | €200 |
| 100km, 140km, and 185km | €300 |
CLICK HERE for a step-by-step guide to setting up your personal iDonate page and reaching your fundraising goal.
Why It Matters
Tour de Tirlán has raised over €486,000 to date, supporting vital services across Ireland. This year’s funds will go toward mental health support, community outreach, and safe spaces for women and children.
Register Today!
Starting and ending at the Collaboration Hub in Abbey Quarter, this one-day charity cycle offers four route options for all levels, with full route details coming soon. We’re pleased to welcome new cyclists to this year’s Tour, and our upcoming online briefings will guide you through all route options.
If you have any questions in the meantime please feel free to contact any member of the Tour de Tirlán committee or email employeecomms@tirlan.ie.
Looking forward to yet another great event!
Tour de Tirlán 2025 Committee Members
- Jim O’Neill
- Eoin Murphy
- Paul Byrne
- Gerry Warren
- Kieran Fitzgerald
- Barbara Brown
- Carol Power
- Ed Elder
- Lisa O’Rourke
Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2025 Raises Over €30,000 for Aware
Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2025 Raises Over €30,000 for Aware
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Tirlán Mountain Challenge – what a day! On Friday, June 20th, 60 colleagues and farmer suppliers laced up their boots and took on the mighty Lugnaquilla Mountain in Co. Wicklow, all in support of Aware, our charity partner.
Together, we raised in excess of €30,000 to support mental health supports delivered by Aware across Ireland. That’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.
The day kicked off bright and early at Abbey Quarter, with a buzz of excitement and a few nervous glances at the forecast. But spirits stayed high as we made our way up Ireland’s highest peak outside of Kerry. The views were stunning, the chats were flowing, and the sense of teamwork was unforgettable. The hike concluded with a celebratory gathering at the Abbey Quarter Canteen.
James Brennan, who led the organising team, shared: “This wasn’t just a hike – it was a show of solidarity for mental health. The energy, generosity, and support from across the business were phenomenal. Thank you to everyone who made it happen. It was great to get the chance to talk and meet with people from right across our business. I’d like to encourage people to sign-up and take part in our next event.”
Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer, added: “As we climbed, we were reminded of the personal mountains many face every day. Supporting Aware means helping people find the strength and resources they need.”
Stephen Butterly, CEO of Aware, also shared his thanks: “Support from organisations like Tirlán helps us keep vital services running—and helps break the stigma around mental health.”
Special thanks to the organising team, volunteer guides, and everyone who helped behind the scenes. Your efforts made the day safe, smooth, and seriously inspiring.
Winners Announced! Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2025 Competition
| PRIZE | WINNER |
| Two premium seated tickets to Robbie Williams on Saturday, 23rd August in Croke Park | Aidan Rowan (Ballitore) |
| A €500 heating oil voucher – Sponsored by Circle K
|
Marypaula Kelly (Abbey Quarter) |
| €100 Castlecomer Discovery Park voucher – Sponsored by the Castlecomer Discovery Park
|
Enda Healy (Ballyragget) |
| €100 Castlecomer Discovery Park voucher – Sponsored by the Castlecomer Discovery Park
|
Paula O’Dwyer (Abbey Quarter) |
Farming for the Future
Farming for the Future: Progress through Partnership
Our flagship event highlighted the importance of enhancing environmental and economic sustainability on farms
We recently welcomed over 400 of our dedicated farm family suppliers to our flagship event, Farming for the Future. This event showcased the collaborative efforts of our employees and partners to enhance and support both environmental and economic sustainability on farms.
Held on the family farm of Seamus Brennan in Attanagh, Co Laois, the event brought together farmers, agricultural experts and industry sustainability leaders for a day filled with hands-on demonstrations, expert-led talks and valuable discussions.
Our teams played a crucial role in making this event a success, demonstrating our commitment to fostering strong relationships with our suppliers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Read more about the event and the incredible work of our team here
Educating and Inspiring the next generation of consumers
Tirlán was delighted to be part of the Agri Aware Open Farm event over 2 days on Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 June on our family farm suppliers the Doran family, Dondale Farm, Donadea, Co. Kildare.
We met over 500 primary school children taking them through aspects of farming, bringing the story of milk from grass to glass to life. On the Saturday over 2,000 families attended the ‘open to the public’ day.
We also supported 4 NCD School Visits on suppliers’ farms.
Eamon Sheehan, Shane Fitzgerald, Stephen Byrne and Vincent Gorman hosted various groups of urban primary school kids, Tirlán provided Mooju for all.
Larry Hannon also hosted Loreto Crumlin on his farm which was covered by RTE News2Day RTÉ link.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
The power of cross-functional teamwork was on display during Abbott’s recent visit
This week we welcomed our strategic customer, Abbott Nutrition, for our annual Supplier Relationship Management Programme (SRM) meeting. The SRM is a programme used to identify and report key strategic activities being conducted between Abbott and Tirlán. It aims to promote effective communication and collaboration cross functionally between our two businesses.
2025 marked Tirlán’s fourth year in the SRM programme, which is testament to our working relationship and joint ambition for our continued partnership with Abbott.
The visit kicked off at our Innovation Centre in Ballyragget, where our R&D team showcased our capabilities and explored forward-looking innovation opportunities in the medical and clinical sector with Abbott.
In Abbey Quarter, cross functional teams from both organisations – including Commercial, R&D, Quality and Operations – came together to shape joint strategic plans focusing on co-creating value, driving continuous improvement and evolving a partnership built for long-term success.
The week also included time at Abbott’s Cootehill facility in Cavan, where the local team shared a detailed overview of their operations. They expressed strong satisfaction with the service provide by Tirlán – with special recognition for Denise Pepper in Customer Service, praised as a true Customer Champion!
A huge thank you to all the teams involved for showcasing Tirlán’s collaborative spirit and customer-first mindset. The visit reinforced the power of cross-functional teamwork in strengthening relationships, delivering mutual value and innovating side by side with our partners.
Dig Deep for Aware
Dig Deep for Aware
Tirlán CountryLife has announced its collaboration with Aware, aimed at promoting mental health awareness through gardening
The network of 15 award-winning Tirlán CountryLife lifestyle and garden retail stores has launched the ‘Grow Yellow – Brighter days ahead’ campaign, with €2 from every plant sold donated to support Aware’s vital work.
The vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches at a price of €7.50, with the aim of raising over €10,000 for Aware. The flower is known for its cheerful yellow blooms with purple centres. The plants are available in distinctive yellow pots.
Chairperson John Murphy said we are proud to support a cause that impacts so many people and so many communities throughout the country. “Mental health is one of the most important issues facing Ireland today, whether you are living in a rural area, a town or city, and maintaining it must be a national priority. We’re proud that our branches and our team of experienced horticulturalists can play our part in supporting the work of our charity partner Aware.”
Ann Meaney, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, highlighted the important role of Tirlán’s CountryLife branches and the expertise available to support gardeners of all levels. “Our CountryLife branches are serviced by experienced horticulturalists who are passionate about what they do. We invest in our branches to ensure our customers enjoy an excellent experience every time they visit. Gardening is not only a joy – it’s a powerful way to support mental wellbeing.”
In addition to raising vital funds, the campaign aims to highlight the important role Aware plays in Ireland today, as the national organisation supporting people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and related mood conditions. In 2024, Aware directly supported up to 40,000 people via its support and education services.
Dr Susan Brannick, Aware’s Clinical Director, spoke about the therapeutic benefits of gardening on overall mental wellbeing. “Gardening can be a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. It allows individuals to connect with nature, reduce stress and nurture their overall mental health. We are excited to partner with Tirlán CountryLife in this meaningful campaign to highlight the importance of protecting your mental health, enjoying the outdoors and raising funds for our vital services.”
Together, Tirlán and Aware are sowing the seeds for brighter days ahead – one plant at a time. Call in to one of our 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches today to purchase a plant and support Aware. This is a seasonal campaign and will run for a short period only – don’t miss your chance to make a difference!
You can listen to a mindfulness podcast from Dr Susan Brannick here
Find out more about the mental health charity Aware