Ornua has launched its Kerrygold butter in South Korea as the company continues its expansion in Asia.
The products were unveiled by Irish agriculture minister Michael Creed during an Irish trade mission in Seoul.
Kerrygold dairy products, made from the milk of grass-fed cows, will be sold through major Korean retailers. Ornua said its products will bring a ‘unique offering to South Korean consumers’.
The move is the latest step in the company’s growth in Asia, a key market for the Irish dairy industry. In recent years, Ornua has introduced products in China, Singapore and Malaysia. The company said that as milk deficit regions, these countries offer significant potential.
Welcoming the announcement, Mr Creed said: “I am delighted to see the continuing expansion of Irish dairy produce into the Asian market. The launch of Kerrygold in South Korea establishes another important route to market for Irish dairy.
“I have confidence that in the near future, South Korea will become an important market for Kerrygold butter and cheese. As we prepare for a post-Brexit environment, it is critical that we build these new markets for premium Irish dairy products.”
Commenting on the launch, Ornua EMEA CEO John Jordan said: “Today marks Ornua’s entry into the South Korean market and is an important milestone in the continuation of our expansion into the key Asian market.
“Opening new routes to market, such as South Korea, is a central pillar of Ornua’s strategy to develop Kerrygold from a butter brand into a €1 billion global dairy brand. Today’s announcement is also an key step in further diversifying our customer base, a particularly important consideration for Irish dairy farming in the current political environment.”
Kerrygold reported record annual retail sales of €900 million in 2016. Last year also saw the launch of Kerrygold Yogurts in Germany, Kerrygold Spreadable in the UK and the continued roll out of Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur across Europe and the US.
The company also recently opened a €38 million butter and packaging production facility in County Cork.
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