Glanbia Ireland Reveals New Identity

Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited (“Glanbia Co-op”) and Glanbia Ireland has revealed it will in future be known as Tirlán, a new identity crafted to reflect the unique characteristics that define this dynamic organisation. 

Tirlán was unveiled today, August 31st, simultaneously to employees and farmer shareholders during an event hosted in the Co-op’s new collaboration centre at Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Tirlán will continue to deliver high quality tailored solutions and ingredients for global markets and also produce Ireland’s best-loved dairy brands.

Combining the Irish words ‘Tír’ for land and ‘Lán’ for full, Tirlán stands for ‘Land of Abundance’ and represents the deep connection and relationship between the Co-op, its people and the land they nurture together to farm and sustain.

It is just the latest step on an exciting new journey for the Co-op. In December 2021, farmer shareholders voted in favour of purchasing the remaining 40% stake in Glanbia Ireland from Glanbia plc to become the outright owners of the Irish dairy and grain business. 

Glanbia plc will retain and continue to operate under the Glanbia name as an entirely separate entity. Tirlán will remain the largest shareholder in Glanbia plc, with a 31.9% shareholding*.

From its base in the south-east of Ireland, Tirlán sources its high-quality dairy and grains from a network of over 6,000 farm families who are at the heart of the business. Tirlán has a diverse portfolio of high quality dairy and plant-based ingredients, along with leading consumer and agribusiness brands. Tirlán is one of the top dairy processors in Europe processing 3 billion litres of milk annually into a wide range of high quality ingredients and solutions for export globally. As the largest buyer and user of Irish grains, Tirlán handles over 270,000 tonnes, including a portfolio of premium grains.

As a co-operative, Tirlán is 100% farmer-owned, with 11 high-tech processing facilities, 52 agri branches and over 2,100 employees. Sales revenue this year is forecast to exceed €3 billion. Tirlán has a strong global footprint with a market presence in the UK, France, Germany, UAE, the US, North Africa, Japan and China. The Group currently exports to over 80 countries. It recently commenced construction on a €200m state-of-the-art continental cheese facility at Belview, Co Kilkenny, as part of a joint venture with international dairy producer Royal A-ware. 

With over a third of Ireland’s milk pool, Tirlán will continue to be a key player at the heart of the Irish and global food and beverage sector, an area of enormous significance both to the national economy and our overall export success. 

Sustainability is of tremendous importance to Tirlán. As part of its comprehensive sustainability strategy ‘Living Proof’, the organisation has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). It has set out a roadmap with ambitions, backed by a robust implementation programme, to be Net Zero for carbon emissions by 2050, with 30% absolute reductions by 2030, and similar reductions in carbon intensity from milk production. This ambitious plan demonstrates Tirlán’s bold commitment to farmers and society at large as well as the wider food and nutrition sector, and outlines how they intend to work towards a fully sustainable future.

Speaking at the launch of Tirlán in Kilkenny, CEO Jim Bergin, said:

“It is with a sense of history and optimism that we unveil Tirlán as an ambitious, innovative, and modern co-op that combines the best of our heritage, all our people, and our expertise. Our organisation has evolved over our 100 year history. Entering this new phase of our co-op’s journey, Tirlán has ambitions for an ever-increasing role in the wider economy, the international food and nutrition sectors, and especially in rural communities across the country.

“We are so proud of our history and heritage and determined that the sense of pride and identity is always at the heart of our business. That is what Tirlán represents.” 

Tirlán Director of Ingredients, Aoife Murphy commented:

“The world is constantly evolving, and we have really seen that over the last few years. To meet the future, with all the challenges and opportunities it brings we have had to constantly evolve too. We have harnessed all that is great about Glanbia Ireland to bring it with us into our future as Tirlán. Our heritage, our people and our ever growing expertise provides us with everything we need to meet the challenges of tomorrow and support our many valued partners and customers into the future.”

Tirlán will start to become visible over the coming months, with a phased transition to the new identity on packaging, facilities, website and communications.

* As of the close of business, Monday, 29 August, 2022.