In any case, it is important for everyone involved to think long-term as far as possible, even as short-term challenges tend to concentrate the mind. To that end, the announcement last month of Tirlán’s intention to develop an advanced whey protein manufacturing facility at its Ballyragget campus in Kilkenny is an example of long-term strategic thinking. The fact that Tirlán Co-op is long-term debt-free makes it almost unique in the Irish milk-processing sector, allowing it to reinforce its long-term economic sustainability, while other organisations must engage in short-term actions to sustain their businesses and supplier member incomes.
Building on its existing expertise in whey production, Tirlán is intent on adding further value to its whey stream with a €126m investment in the production of an advanced nutritional whey protein product
portfolio, including clear whey protein, a much-in-demand ingredient in whey-based products. These include sports nutrition, lifestyle products, infant formula and medical nutrition. Even the recent spectacular growth of weight reduction therapies has positive implications for whey demand, with dense protein supplementation required as appetites are suppressed.
Ultimately, the rationale from the co-operative is to add value to the litres of milk produced by its suppliers, delivering a higher milk price and so adding to the sustainability of Irish milk production farms. The development has obviously been in gestation for some time, with R&D, planning and financing all in place before the announcement. The new facility, which will be water neutral and carbon efficient, is expected to be operational by the middle of 2027. That in turn offers further options to Tirlán, including supplying existing global customers such as Glanbia Plc, as well as potentially developing novel consumer products of its own in the whey space.
