By Business & Finance 
The new Kerrygold packing facility will provide a new route to market for Irish powdered milk, which will be exported to Nigeria, marketed under the Kerrygold brand.
The facility was opened in Nigerian capital Lagos by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, currently leading a trade mission to Nigeria.
The new facility is a joint venture between Ornua and distribution partners, Fareast Mercantile (FMCL).
Ornua employs 250 people both directly and indirectly and opened its African headquarters in Port Elizabeth in 2013.
Other recent major investments include the development of new and expanded production facilities in Ireland, North America, Germany, Spain, the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Lane, CEO, Ornua, said: “Nigeria is a young, vibrant country and one in which we see a real opportunity to grow the Kerrygold brand. We are delighted to be working with our joint venture partners FMCL and look forward to building on our existing relationships in Nigeria. Importantly for Irish dairy farmers, this development offers an enhanced route to market for the additional forecasted milk volumes.”
Simon Coveney TD commented: “Ireland’s ambition to increase dairy production and gain a greater share of the global market requires innovation not only in terms of product development, but also in terms of how that product is brought to market. This factory shows further evidence of the innovative thinking that will drive the Irish dairy sector forward.”
