Irish dairy moving to a ‘value not volume’ model

Kathleen O’Sullivan talks to industry leaders who outline why Irish dairy enjoys an unrivalled global reputation for quality milk production

Ireland has gained a deserved reputation for the unique grass-fed, high quality milk produced by the nation's herd, primarily with cattle reared in lower-intensity farms than in most rival markets. The photo shows cows at Templebreedy, Crosshaven, Co Cork.

Dairy is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, with an economic value of over €16bn, which is the result of thousands of years of its activity across the island.

In 2022, according to Bord Bia figures, Irish dairy exports were worth €6.8bn, a year-on-year value increase of 33% or €1.7bn, driven mainly by Irish butter and cheese.