February 2024 saw the launch of the Tirlán Living Proof e-Learning module for all employees, which aligns with our value of Adapt to Grow!

This e-Learning is based on our Living Proof sustainability pillars of Carbon Reduction, Regenerative Agriculture, Circular Economy, Natural Nutrition and Growing Together and aims to give all employees an understanding of what the pillars mean and how the targets are being met across Tirlán, with live examples, top tips and quizzes to support your learning throughout.

Adapt To Grow!
This module shows how working collaboratively across all business functions enables the whole of Tirlán to meet our Living Proof targets, whether through carbon reduction, nutrition or on farm projects. Fresh ideas and flexibility allow teams to adapt to the needs of Living Proof which delivers for our customers and the planet.

Each segment in our e-Learning has case studies presented by employees from across our business who highlight how they are living and implementing our Living Proof Strategy daily.

It’s vital that Living Proof becomes part of who we are every day and we are confident the e-Learning will help with this ambition!

Enjoy even more ceol agus craic at this year’s Kilkenny Tradfest with a special discount code

The eleventh Kilkenny Tradfest promises to be the best yet, with a line-up packed full of both trad legends and young blood. Taking place between the 15th and 18th March, the festival coincides with St. Patrick’s weekend and capitalises on the unique strength of Kilkenny’s hospitality and creative culture to deliver an event which is truly unique and steeped in heritage.

This year’s line-up includes firm favourites such as Shaskeen, Clancy’s Kitchen, Hothouse Flowers, John Spillane, Clare Sands and the Kilfenora Céilí Band.

Kilkenny has so many wonderful pubs and venues, too numerous to mention, so the best advice is to book a ticket for an evening gig and hit the Trad Trail early in the day. If you get lost, just follow the sound of the music!

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our February newsletter, we’re talking to Amber Taylor, Regional Director Americas

Amber Taylor, Regional Director Americas, grew up on a large crop farm in Missouri and her role is to grow the market across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Latin America and South America, now that we have more freedom in sales.

The MBA graduate is on a mission to make Tirlán the go-to ingredient supplier and is passionate about building strong relationships with customers, both inside and outside of work.

Amber joined Tirlán in September of last year. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband Ben and three boys – Conor (4), Cooper (2) and Caden (10 months) and works closely with the network she has built over past experiences to marry value-add customers with Tirlán’s excellence.

“I have also been tasked to look for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities in the region to grow the Tirlán portfolio. Everyone is so kind and helpful. The diverse ingredient profile is challenging in a very positive way. We can bring Tirlán to many different companies through many different applications. I love my trips to Ireland! I am very thankful for the opportunity to grow Tirlán into a household world-class brand.

“Technology and innovation are at the forefront of changes. When I think there couldn’t possibly be more ideas to do with milk, lo and behold something pops up. One that really stands out is the cell-based agriculture and precision fermentation. It will no way take over the dairy industry, but it will surely be there to supplement dairy needs with food supply needs increasing and land resources decreasing.”

Customers make the business and Amber is proud to have cultivated many different customers with several top companies over the years. “Face to face visits with customers are the best way to develop relationships. I get to know the customers I manage. Most customers want to be heard and it’s my job to listen. Once I have heard what they really need, which is sometimes different than what they think they want, I offer suggestions and we work on things together.

“I like the teamwork approach. I get to know customers outside of work as much as possible. We develop strong relationships and keep up with each other’s families over the years. It is important to understand what drives the customers to help make the business most successful.

“The customers I work with are in various business sectors such as sports nutrition, infant nutrition, active lifestyle and foods. These customers applications’ include bars, dry mix beverages, ready to drink beverages, dips, yogurts, ice cream, snacks, cereals, bakery and the list goes on!”

As Amber continues to grow into her role, she is eager to continue the Tirlán legacy of world-class, increasing value-add customers in the region, thus equating to higher returns to the farmers for their milk and investments.

“Flexibility is key! Customers have ever-changing needs and it is important to pivot to those needs so that the business can continue to deliver world-class ingredients and service. This business is not a one person show, but rather a team that makes all the business come together. The US is poised for growth. I would love to see Tirlán invest in assets in the US from dairy and plant,” she said.

As for hobbies and interests outside of work? “I love spending time with my family. We try to do a beach trip once a year. We love to visit family, which is about 2-3 hours south of us. We love to go to the farm and take in the slower pace of life and get our hands dirty in the fields and with the animals.

“When not working or busy with the three boys, I love to entertain and cook. I don’t do anything fancy, but it’s a good relaxed time with plenty of seconds. I also enjoy gardening. We moved into our home about a year ago. My husband and I have lots of outdoor projects we want to do.”