Dairy Concepts Secures Multi-Million Euro Contract with Marks & Spencer for High-Protein Snacks
Source: The DairyNews
Irish dairy snack company Dairy Concepts has secured a major international contract with Marks & Spencer (M&S) to supply its 580 stores across Ireland and the UK. The multi-million euro deal will see Dairy Concepts producing a new high-protein, gluten-free dairy snack under the brand name M&S Cheese Clouds, marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional snacks like crisps or nuts.
Based in Fermoy, Dairy Concepts anticipates a significant increase in production volume due to this contract and plans to hire five additional staff to manage the workload, bringing the total number of employees at its Moorepark headquarters to 24.
"For Dairy Concepts, becoming a supplier for M&S signifies a significant endorsement of our innovative product development, operational standards, and product quality," said Tom Brennan, CEO of Dairy Concepts. "With value-added dairy snack products made from a minimum of 98% cheese, this domestic and export partnership really supports Irish farmers and contributes to the growth of the wider Irish dairy industry."
The new snack will provide 8g of protein per 20g serving. Its unique vacuum cooking process ensures that the product is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, simplifying export and packaging requirements.
Dairy Concepts and M&S plan to expand their partnership further, with a new flavor variant and larger pack sizes expected to launch in early 2025. Eddie Murphy of M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland commented, "At M&S, we're growing our partnerships with Irish suppliers to offer our customers quality Irish products, sourced locally and sold across the UK and Ireland. The launch of the innovative M&S Cheese Clouds range in partnership with Dairy Concepts marks a real milestone for both companies and shows the potential for more opportunities across our Irish supply chain."
The latest accounts for Polderton Ltd, trading as Dairy Concepts Ireland, indicate the company had shareholders' funds of €4.7 million, despite accumulated losses of €4.3 million.
"For Dairy Concepts, becoming a supplier for M&S signifies a significant endorsement of our innovative product development, operational standards, and product quality," said Tom Brennan, CEO of Dairy Concepts. "With value-added dairy snack products made from a minimum of 98% cheese, this domestic and export partnership really supports Irish farmers and contributes to the growth of the wider Irish dairy industry."
The new snack will provide 8g of protein per 20g serving. Its unique vacuum cooking process ensures that the product is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, simplifying export and packaging requirements.
Dairy Concepts and M&S plan to expand their partnership further, with a new flavor variant and larger pack sizes expected to launch in early 2025. Eddie Murphy of M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland commented, "At M&S, we're growing our partnerships with Irish suppliers to offer our customers quality Irish products, sourced locally and sold across the UK and Ireland. The launch of the innovative M&S Cheese Clouds range in partnership with Dairy Concepts marks a real milestone for both companies and shows the potential for more opportunities across our Irish supply chain."
The latest accounts for Polderton Ltd, trading as Dairy Concepts Ireland, indicate the company had shareholders' funds of €4.7 million, despite accumulated losses of €4.3 million.
