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Despite the removal of EU export refunds, an increasingly uncompetitive currency position and fluctuating market prices, the Irish Dairy Board reported a turnover of €2.1 million in 2007 – an increase of 2% over 2006.

The Board’s Kerrygold brand grew by 1.8% in 2007. In Germany its brand performed well, maintaining growth of 0.5% and retaining its market leading position. Branded sales increased by 7% in the United States in 2007, with strong performances from Kerrygold Dubliner, butter and Cheddar.

East European markets, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria, performed well, with annual sales growth of 20%. In other international markets, sales were less impressive and higher prices particularly impacted on branded milk powder sales to African countries.

The Irish Dairy Board’s Food Ingredients division saw sales increase in value in 2007, although the unprecedented price volatility of dairy commodities affected the product mix with a resulting drop in the cheese volumes produced.