Dale Farm: Profits surge for NI agri-food business

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Turnover at the farmer-owned co-op was up almost 13% from 拢524m to 拢591m
  • Author, John Campbell
  • Role, 大象传媒 News NI Economics & Business Editor

Dale Farm, one of Northern Ireland's biggest agri-food businesses, almost tripled its pre-tax profits to 拢22m in 2021.

Turnover at the farmer-owned co-op was up almost 13% from 拢524m to 拢591m.

Dale Farm produces its own branded products like Dromona butter, as well as providing ingredients to other companies.

Last year, Dale Farm won a contract to supply Whey protein concentrate to Arla, a major European dairy company.

Nick Whelan, group chief executive, said turnover has grown by 60% in recent years as the business had "reviewed those areas that can no longer deliver for us and investing strongly in those that do".

"This year's results are evidence that this approach is working," he added.

Mr Whelan said the current level of "unprecedented cost inflation will require focused management".

He also suggested further modernisation of the firm's factories was planned.

"We need to proactively ensure we have a suitable asset replacement programme in place that maintains and builds processing capacity for future growth".

Last month, Mr Whelan told the 大象传媒 that food price inflation was likely to continue through this year as the rising costs of inputs like fuel, fertilizer and animal feed were passed on.