Kerry opens new Cheestrings facility in Ireland

Jun 20, 2024
2 min read

Kerry Dairy Ireland, part of Kerry Group, has opened a new Cheestrings facility in Charleville, County Cork, Ireland.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland and the government’s Capital Investment Scheme for Agriculture Products, the plant boosts production capacity by 50% and creates 60 local jobs.

Since its creation nearly 30 years ago, Cheestrings has become a staple in UK and Ireland lunchboxes, with 17 Cheestrings consumed every second, according to the company.

The new Charleville facility will increase capacity and enhance processing capabilities and efficiencies.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Peter Burke, said: “This strategic investment into this world-class facility was partly financed by the government’s Capital Investment Scheme for the Agri-Food processing sector. It is also supported under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve. This support ensures Kerry Dairy Ireland has the world-leading processing capabilities needed to continue to grow the brand globally while directly supporting the local economy here in Charleville through the creation of jobs.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, Charlie McConalogue, commented: “The government established the capital investment scheme in recognition of the challenges faced by the sector and particularly its unique exposure to the impact of Brexit. The scheme represents this government’s strong commitment to supporting investments like this Cheestrings manufacturing operation that will help underpin the agri-food sector’s sustainable development in the future."

"Investment in new market development helps to bring benefits to all those along the supply chain, particularly farmers, our primary producers, who are key contributors to our €16 billion export sector, of which our dairy exports account for over €6 billion.”

Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group, stated: “Cheestrings has been a fantastic success story over the past 30 years and a great example of an innovative healthy snack product for everyday consumption. This new facility underpins the growth plans for Cheestrings and demonstrates our business’ commitment to the locality”.

Top image: © Strings & Things

#Kerry #Ireland #Cheestrings

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Leah Smith

8 May 2026

New products

Ella’s Kitchen launches new children's snack range

Ella’s Kitchen is expanding beyond the baby food aisle with the launch of Ella’s Kitchen Kids, a new product line aimed at children aged 18 months and older.

The launch marks a significant strategic move for the brand as it looks to extend its presence beyond the weaning category and capture growing demand for healthier snack options for toddlers and young children.

Positioned as a “better-for-you” alternative to traditional children’s snacks, the new range combines bold flavours, playful branding and convenient formats with the nutritional standards parents associate with the Ella’s Kitchen brand.

The company said the range was developed in response to changing family eating habits and the lack of minimally processed snack options for older toddlers outside the baby aisle.

Initial products include Ella’s Kitchen Kids Crunchy Stix in Cheese + Onion, Tomato + Basil and Pesto varieties, alongside Ella’s Kitchen Kids Wild Crackers available in Tomato + Oregano, Pea + Basil and Carrot + Rosemary flavours.

Designed for lunchboxes, picnics and snacking occasions, the products are formulated with reduced salt levels and classified as non-HFSS options. According to the company, the Crunchy Stix contain less than 0.04g of salt per pack, while the Crackers contain less than 0.05g per serving.

Emma Wood, Senior Brand Manager at Ella’s Kitchen, said: “Ella’s Kitchen Kids is about recognising that the journey doesn’t stop at baby food. As little ones grow, their tastes, independence and routines all change – but parents still want options they can feel good about.”

The launch also signals Ella’s Kitchen’s wider ambitions within the children’s snacking market, with additional products and categories expected later this year.

Wood added that the company aims to help “raise the standards of the kids’ food category” by balancing taste, convenience and nutrition.