Concentration of Irish cheddar in UK 'high risk'

Speaking at Bord Bia's Brexit Barometer on Thursday, the Dairygold chief executive told the attendees that the high quantity of Ireland's total milk pool that is dedicated to cheddar in the UK market can pose potential problems.

Having 18% of Ireland's national milk pool dedicated to one product dependant on one market is high risk – Jim Woulfe

With Ireland exporting 70,000t of cheddar into the UK market in 2016 (representing 82% of all UK cheddar imports), Woulfe emphasised the challenge that Brexit will impose on Ireland, but he admits that it has become a priority to maintain the relationship with UK customers.

"It is obviously a priority that we ensure our relationships are maintained. We have reached out and said look, we are here in the long term and we will continue to work with you," he explained.

"I would be quietly confident that we will continue to grow and in terms of market presence we will still be there. What we want to ensure is that there will be Irish products there," he said during the panel discussions.

There are currently four manufacturers of cheddar in Ireland.

Woulfe also highlighted the need for diversification in the market to combat the impact of a potential hard Brexit.

"We have to look at what is happening in the emerging market. The reality of a hard Brexit has shocked us into this broader thinking. Stand back, get the help and come up with your solutions."

With the global cheese market around 20 million tonnes and growing at an estimated rate of 1.8% to 2% per annum, Woulfe told the Irish Farmers Journal that companies such as Dairygold must "scope out the landscape" and exploit new, alternative markets, including different types of cheese.

Woulfe featured prominently during the panel discussion at the Bord Bia Brexit Barometer, where he, along with the other panellists encouraged a proactive business approach to the issue of Brexit.

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