Dairy Processor Welcomes Boost In Cross-Border Business

Cross border trade is on the up for a major supplier of dairy products.

Speaking at a briefing for agricultural journalists today, David Dobbin from Dale Farm said their products such as milk, butter cheese, yogurt and ice cream were finding a growing market south of the border - a situation that looks to be further reinforced by this week's emergency Irish budget.

Mr Dobbin said: "Consumers coming across the border are buying our products from stores such as Tesco and are coming back for more.

"They also see them on TV advertising on UTV and are increasingly seeking them out in-store in the Republic too," he explained.

Asked about the budget's impact, he said that existing trade is looking positive, with a further fillip provided by the growing levels of cross border trade, post budget.

The senior executive was speaking at a joint event with Tesco's Cliff Kells, the supermarket's Commercial Manager.

He also confirmed the way that many such products are finding a market with southern shoppers, both with those who are actually shopping in Northern Ireland and those who see them in-store locally.

Mr Kells was joining forces with Dale Farm to launch the latest phase of the supermarket's 'Taste Northern Ireland' campaign.

He explained this would include a significant in-store product testing initiative to promote the 'home grown' produce from the milk processor.

David Dobbin added: This is highlighting the excellence of locally sourced dairy products which will help increase sales of products which are ultimately developed from milk produced on Northern Ireland's own farms."

(BMcC/JM)