Dairygold warns against protests

DAIRYGOLD has warned that any effort to undermine consumer confidence in Galtee Meats by way of protest will be detrimental to the best interests of both the brand and pig producers.

Chief Executive Jerry Henchy conveyed the message in a letter to IFA Pigs Committee chairman Pat O’Keeffe after producers staged a protest outside a meeting of the co-op’s new 60 member committee last week.

The protests followed the decision by Dairygold to cut 270 jobs - 170 at Galtee Foods - last week.

Galtee Meats, the largest user of Irish pigmeat in the home retail and branded markets, is the market leader in sliced bacon in Ireland and also sells significant quantities under the brand outside of the Republic.

Dairygold said it would continue to be a substantial buyer of Irish pork from other Irish processors who have already indicated a willingness to seize the opportunity to expand output with the benefit of a greater supply of pigs to their plants.

But pig producers, protesting last week over Dairygold’s decision to end primary processing in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, and to close its plant in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, with the total loss of 270 jobs, displayed placards, some with slogans asking were the Galtee and Roscrea brands 100% Irish.

IFA president John Dillon told a subsequent rally in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, that producers and consumers would not tolerate any Dairygold attempts to use their slaughter plant closure as an opportunity to displace Irish pigmeat with imports.

Mr Henchy stated in his letter to Mr O’Keeffe that Dairygold’s exit from primary pig processing would benefit the co-op and would allow it to focus on expanding its range of added value products. A more competitive cost base would enable it to grow its business and become an even larger purchaser of Irish pork.

“In this light, it is vitally important that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the business is not undermined in any way. Sadly, some of the placards displayed at protests on Wednesday last, which questioned the provenance of Dairygold pork products, have the potential to do just that,” he stated.

Mr Henchy said Galtee Meats as market leaders have a very high requirement for pork loins, the most popular joint with Irish consumers. A deficit of loins in Irish pig production meant a small percentage of pigmeat, essentially loins, was imported to satisfy customer demand, he said. However, Galtee had always and would continue to give priority to Irish product.