Donegal Creameries celebrate 125th anniversary

Donegal Creameries, one of the nation's largest liquid milk plants is celebrating 125 years in business. 

Based at the creamery at Killygordon, milk from 270 milk suppliers is delivered to over eight counties in Ireland through a team of 95 agents and van sales employees, as well as major retail distribution centres nationally. Global agribusiness Aurivo acquired Donegal Creameries in 2011, with €10 million invested in capital projects in the plant over the last six years. 

Founded in 1899, Donegal Creameries produces 140 million litres of liquid milk each year, which is 25% of all liquid milk consumed in the Republic of Ireland and is at the heart of communities in Donegal and surrounding counties. 

Sustainability is a key priority at Donegal Creameries and the site is on track to achieve the national target of 35% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions earlier than the government target of 2030. 

A number of SEAI and Department of Agriculture-funded sustainability initiatives have been implemented across the plant in recent years to reduce carbon emissions including heat pump technology and the ability to use Biogas. Supplier farmers are committed to protecting the environment and are taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of their farms and to promote biodiversity through taking part in the Aurivo Farm Profitability Programme and Origin Green’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme.

Donegal Creameries has been supplying the people of Donegal and beyond with milk products for the past 125 years. It is at the heart of the Donegal communities as a major employer and has supported Donegal’s GAA development squad, Community Games and soccer camps throughout the years. 

“We are delighted to celebrate 125 years of Donegal Creameries – the longevity of the brand is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 270 supplier farmers, milking 365 days a year to produce the highest quality milk products,” Donal Tierney, CEO at Aurivo Co-operative said. “I’d like to thank employees at Killygordan who have played a key role in enabling the volume of milk produced from Donegal Creameries to triple over the last 12 years. We look forward to working with you to further drive the sustainability and sales of Donegal Creameries to ensure continued success.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to give gratitude to our loyal customers who have backed Donegal Creameries for the last 125 years. We are proud to serve you with the highest tasting, delicious milk products every day and appreciate your support.”

Steve Giles, Site Operations Manager, at Donegal Creameries added: “Donegal Creameries is more than just a brand, it’s a major part of life and culture on kitchen tables in Donegal and beyond. 

“It’s a seven-day-a-week operation here in Killygordan and it wouldn’t be possible without our team of hard-working and dedicated employees. I would also like to highlight the important work the Killygordon and wider Aurivo team do in supporting our communities through our support of The Alzheimers Society of Ireland, our charity of the year and a range of local sporting initiatives.”