Irish dairy snack company Dairy Concepts has won a multi-million euro international contract with retailer Marks & Spencer to supply its 580 stores across Ireland and the UK.
Fermoy-based Dairy Concepts will produce a new high-protein, gluten-free dairy snack under the brand name M&S Cheese Clouds that will be marketed as a health alternative to traditional snacks likes crisps or nuts.
The company expects to see a significant increase in production volume as a result of the deal and will hire five additional staff to assist with the workload, bringing the total number of staff 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,” he added.
The new snack will have 8g of protein per 20g serving, and its unique vacuum cooking process means that the product will be shelf stable and not require any refrigeration, easing export and packaging requirements.
Dairy Concepts and M&S are planning further expansion in their partnership, with a new flavour variant and larger pack sizes slated for launch in early 2025.
Eddie Murphy, of M&S Ireland and NI, added: “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, show the company had shareholders’ funds of €4.7m, although the company had accumulated losses of €4.3m.
Photo: (l-r) Eddie Murphy, M&S Country Director Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Tom Brennan, CEO of Dairy Concepts. (Pic: Gerard McCarthy)