Tirlán sales up 10% as milk supply surges
Tirlán chief executive Seán Molloy said 2025 marked a record year for milk supply, driven by expansion at farm level and improved productivity.
Tirlán paid €1.8bn to its farmer suppliers last year as milk production surged and the co-op reported a strong financial performance for 2025.
The farmer-owned business processed 3.2 billion litres of milk — about one-third of the national pool — with volumes up 7% year-on-year and milk solids increasing by 9%.
An average milk price of 54.4c/l was paid to suppliers, up from 52c/l in 2024, as output growth and improved market conditions supported returns.
Overall revenue rose 10% to €2.94bn, while operating profit came in at €63.7m. Core net debt fell to €126m, the lowest level in more than a decade.
Chairman John Murphy said the performance reflected strong supply and tight cost control, alongside continued investment across the business.
The co-op also returned significant value to members through a spin-out of 15 million Glanbia plc shares, worth €253m, and €9m in dividends.
Chief executive Seán Molloy said 2025 marked a record year for milk supply, driven by expansion at farm level and improved productivity.
Alongside financial results, Tirlán pointed to a series of targeted supports for farmers, including a €5m TB support scheme and a €5.5m dairy support package introduced during the year.
A €15m generational renewal programme was also launched, offering new entrants a 2c/l bonus on milk supplied during their first three years. The co-op said uptake had been strong, with up to 52 new entrants expected this year.
The business continues to invest heavily in processing capacity, with work under way on a €126m whey facility at its Ballyragget site aimed at expanding output of higher-value nutritional ingredients.
Tirlán said the investment would strengthen its position in global protein markets, particularly in fast-growing segments such as performance and lifestyle nutrition.
The co-op also highlighted a strong performance in grain, with 234,000t of green grain intake and “market-leading” prices paid at harvest.
Nearly half of all grain delivered qualified for premium payments, reflecting a continued push towards higher-value markets.
