18/02/2004

Dale Farm acquires Parmalat's UK operation

Leading Northern Ireland dairy company Dale Farm Group has acquired the UK dairy operation of Parmlat.

The deal for an undisclosed sum will see Dale Farm take over Parmalat UK's dairy processing plant in Kendal in the Lake District that employs some 200 people.

It is understood that the Kendal operation, which makes Losely and Lakeland Maid branded products, will continue to produce a range of yogurt, dessert and cottage cheese products.

Dale Farm is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Northern Ireland farmers' co-operative United Dairy Farmers.

The group has been actively investing in a multi-million pound long-term acquisition strategy.

Earlier this year, Italian-owned company Parmalat admitted debts in excess of 4 billion euros as a huge financial scandal bankrupted the Italian food giant.

The deal does not include Parmalat's export business.

(SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 April 2011
DARD Flies In With Farm Payments
NI farmers are really getting on the map with news that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is again to use aerial photography to assess eligibility for EC Single Farm Payments.
14 October 2003
Dale Farm owner announces £4.5m Centre of Excellence
The parent company of leading Ice Cream maker, Dale Farm are to invest £4.5 million in a new Technical Centre of Excellence. United Dairy Farmers will use the Centre to develop innovative dairy products for international markets made from milk supplied by local farmers.
09 October 2001
Express Dairies and Golden Vale in £18 million Dale Farm deal
Express Dairies and Golden Vale have accepted an offer from Dromona Quality Foods, the dairy processor subsidiary of United Dairy Farmers, in the acquisition of shares of Dale Farm Dairies Limited, Northern Ireland’s leading liquid milk processor and distributor. The deal valued at £18.
02 February 2012
Foster Congratulates Fivemiletown On Export Success
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the announcement that Fivemiletown Creamery in Co Tyrone, has won a contract with Hong Kong-based Dairy Farm International to supply cheese into one of Asia's biggest markets. Dairy Farm International has supermarkets in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
04 February 2010
Jobs Boost As Shops Expansion Passed
Plans for a major redevelopment of Dairy Farm Shopping Centre in Dunmurry, Co Antrim have been approved. NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said: "This is a welcome investment boost for the area providing 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs on completion.