Kerry Dairy Ireland has officially opened its expanded Cheestrings facility in Charleville, Co. Cork. This state-of-the-art plant represents a major investment of €30 million, increasing production capacity by 50% and creating 60 new jobs. Supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Government’s Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agriculture Products, this facility strengthens Kerry Dairy’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development. It marks a strategic step in the growth of the Cheestrings brand, which continues to be a leading product in the UK and Ireland.
Investment and Strategic Growth
This €30 million investment in the Cheestrings facility underscores Kerry Dairy Ireland’s ambitious growth strategy for its flagship brand. The expansion is supported by funding from Enterprise Ireland and the Government’s Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agriculture Products and Enterprise Ireland, aimed at boosting the global footprint of Cheestrings while ensuring local economic benefits.
“This investment in Charleville reflects our belief in Cheestrings and the bright future for the brand,” Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry Dairy Ireland stated. “As we cut the ribbon today, our commitment to quality, innovation, and community remains steadfast and we look forward to Cheestrings continued success and expansion”.
The new facility will play a critical role in supporting Kerry Dairy Ireland’s plans for international market expansion, allowing the brand to increase its output while maintaining a strong presence in Ireland.
Cheestrings: A Global Success Story
Since its creation nearly 30 years ago, the Cheestrings brand, part of KDI’s Dairy Consumer Foods Division, has become a household name in the UK and Ireland, celebrated for its fun, nutritious appeal as a convenient snack. The product’s innovative design, allowing children and adults to peel and enjoy strings of cheese, has made it a staple in lunchboxes. With 17 Cheestrings consumed every second, its popularity continues to soar globally.
Cheestrings — a sustainable and nutritious choice — are made from 100% real cheese, providing an excellent source of calcium and protein while being naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for families. The expansion of the Charleville facility will enable Kerry Dairy Ireland to not only meet growing consumer demand but also continue developing new, innovative products in the Cheestrings range, ensuring the brand stays at the forefront of the dairy snack market.
Innovation and Efficiency in Production
The newly expanded Charleville facility integrates cutting-edge processing technologies that significantly enhance efficiency and production output. This expansion has enabled Kerry Dairy Ireland to boost Cheestrings’ production by 50%, ensuring the brand can meet the growing global demand. Additionally, the plant is designed to support new product innovations, enabling the development of future Cheestrings variants while maintaining Kerry’s high standards for product quality and food safety.
“Cheestrings has been a fantastic success story over the past thirty years, and a great example of an innovative healthy snack product for everyday consumption,” said CEO of Kerry Group, Edmond Scanlon. “This new facility underpins the growth plans for Cheestrings, and demonstrates our business’s commitment to the locality.”
The investment in automation and state-of-the-art equipment also allows for more precise control over the production process, reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency. These upgrades help ensure that Cheestrings continue to be produced with the same level of quality that has made the brand a success over the last three decades. As part of Kerry Dairy Ireland’s ongoing commitment to excellence, the facility is positioned to adapt to future demands and technological advancements in the dairy industry.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
A central focus of the new facility is its alignment with Kerry Dairy Ireland’s sustainability goals. The plant has been designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilising innovative systems that reduce both carbon emissions and overall energy use. Kerry Dairy Ireland’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through the use of technologies that minimise waste and optimise water and resource use throughout the production process.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., supported the new facility, stating: “I welcome that this investment by Kerry in Cheestrings is aligned with the environmental sustainability requirements of the scheme, reflecting the importance of developing our dairy sector is committed to developing in an environmentally sustainable way. I congratulate Kerry on this project.”
The facility’s design reflects the increasing importance of sustainability in food production. It supports Kerry Dairy Ireland’s long-term goals of reducing the environmental footprint of its operations while continuing to produce high-quality dairy products. By investing in this modern plant, Kerry Dairy Ireland reinforces its dedication to sustainable development, which is critical for both the company and the wider agri-food sector in Ireland.
Support from Government and Enterprise Ireland
The expansion of the Cheestrings facility was made possible with support from Enterprise Ireland and funding from Ireland’s Capital Investment Scheme, which is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ireland’s agri-food sector. These investments are critical for enabling businesses like Kerry Dairy Ireland to adapt to challenges such as Brexit while continuing to grow on the global stage.
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, also praised the facility’s opening, noting that the investment showcases Ireland’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the dairy industry.
Conclusion
The opening of Kerry Dairy Ireland’s state-of-the-art Cheestrings facility in Charleville marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey of innovation, growth, and sustainability. With a 50% increase in production capacity and 60 new jobs created, this investment showcases Kerry Dairy Ireland’s commitment to advancing both the local economy and global expansion. Supported by government initiatives and Enterprise Ireland, the facility reinforces Kerry’s leadership in sustainable dairy production. As Cheestrings continues to grow as a global brand, this facility underscores its bright future in the dairy industry.