Tirlán: A Leading Force in the Dairy Industry

Headquartered in Ireland, Tirlán has established itself as a key player in the global dairy market. The company is widely acknowledged for its strategic approach to competitive pricing and its robust support for suppliers, effectively managing the challenges of market fluctuations.

Financial Indicators

In 2025, Tirlán reported impressive financial growth, with a 10% increase in total revenue, reaching €2.94 billion. This growth was largely driven by international sales, particularly with 415,000 tonnes of dairy ingredients sold, contributing to a 13% rise in revenue for this category. Throughout the year, Tirlán made several announcements regarding milk prices. In August, the payment rate for creamery milk supplies was set at 46.33c/L, including VAT. By November, the milk price was adjusted to 36.08c/L, focusing on butterfat and protein content. As the year progressed, the price was further adjusted to 43.08 cpl, with various payments averaging 52.36 cpl, inclusive of VAT.

Significant Events

November 19 marked a significant event for Tirlán as the company announced increased milk prices in response to market demands. Tirlán's expertise was further highlighted by its contribution to Ornua's success at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, particularly with the award-winning Vintage Cheddar produced at Ballyragget in Co. Kilkenny. Despite these achievements, the company faced challenges, including a 4 cents per litre reduction in milk prices in October and a price reduction of 2.35 €.

Strategic Plans

Looking towards the future, Tirlán is committed to sustainability and maintaining high standards in dairy products. Plans include implementing a payment of 56.08c/L for February creamery supplies, with an anticipated adjustment to 50.08c/L in March. A substantial investment of €126 million is planned for whey protein processing at the Ballyragget site, with the new facility expected to be operational by mid-2027. This initiative exemplifies Tirlán's leadership in global nutritional protein innovation.

Furthermore, Tirlán is introducing a €5.5 million support package for milk suppliers to assist with on-farm costs. The company is strategically transitioning its investments from commodity powders to advanced protein extraction, focusing on high-value product streams like specialized whey and cheese. This strategy aims to safeguard margins against retail food inflation.

In addition, Tirlán has expanded its presence in the United States through a distribution deal with Costco for its Truly Grass Fed butter, a strategic move that aligns with the company's goal to accelerate growth within high-income natural food channels in the U.S. market. Tirlán has chosen to supply grass-fed butter to Costco under the Kirkland Signature brand, raising concerns within the Irish dairy sector.

The company also initiated the FarmElevate programme, with Fortune hosting the first farm walk, which focused on drought management and winter preparations. Tirlán is an organization where Brian Harte works as a nutritionist. Tirlán nutritionist Brian Harte has outlined feeding measures for dairy farmers dealing with dry conditions and depleted soil moisture in south-east Ireland.

Tirlán retained a base rate of 43.5c/L and confirmed a weather-support payment of 1c/L for all milk supplied in July, with its total return for standard constituents reaching 44.5c/L. Tirlán set its July manufacturing milk price at 39.08c/L, including weather and sustainability payments, while putting the average creamery milk price at 43.82c/L including VAT. The processor also expanded supplier assistance to €15m and approved a five-year payment framework for liquid-milk and autumn-calving producers.

Modified: 2026/08/21