French Trade Boosts Fermanagh Cheeses

With orders being received from Galeries Lafayette in France and from outlets as far away as Asia, a local cheesemaker is celebrating success.

NI Economy Minister Arlene Foster today praised Fivemiletown Creamery for its continued export success and growth.

Arlene Foster was speaking during a visit to the company and said: "It is very encouraging that Fivemiletown Creamery - which is celebrating 110 years trading this year - continues to develop new international customers for its speciality cheeses.

"Innovation is at the heart of this success, coupled with quality customer service and high productivity. This indigenous company is continuing to grow following the recent purchase of Cavan-based Ryefield Farms, the re-launch of the Boilíe cheese business and its ongoing investment to build its brand, improve productivity and increase overall competitiveness.

"With the recent substantial reduction in the price of commodity dairy products it is important that local companies follow the example shown by Fivemiletown in its commitment to innovation, product development and export growth.

"I plan to meet with Dairy UK over the coming weeks to investigate how the Northern Ireland milk processing sector can become less reliant on powder production and process more milk into higher value products," she continued, noting that companies such as Fivemiletown Creamery play a key role in the wealth creation in predominantly rural communities.

Arlene Foster said: "This company is making an important contribution to the economic well-being of the surrounding area, employing over 50 people and sourcing milk from local farms."

(BMcC)