The £1 million order of spray dried whole milk and skimmed milk powder from LacPatrick to the Middle East is to begin deliveries next week, the Irish Farmers Journal can confirm.

The deal, which was confirmed last week, was announced on Tuesday.

It was aided by LacPatrick’s participation in this year’s Gulfood in Dubai, which is the Middle East’s biggest food and beverage processing industry event.

Speaking with the Irish Farmers Journal, LacPactrick chairman Hugo Maguire said that the representatives from the UAE were highly impressed with the new product.

“The representatives were very impressed with the milk supply base and the quality of product coming from our new technology”, he said.

“We have invested heavily in our new technology for this product and this is the first payback on that.”

Maguire is also optimistic that future trade deals can be extended and new markets explored, saying: This is a major breakthrough for us with this product in this region. I am optimistic that further deals will be conducted and into other regions as well.”

Maguire confirmed earlier this year that he will be stepping aside as chairman of the processor in September of this year having spent 19 years at the helm of the organisation.

Milk price

On Wednesday, LacPatrick was the latest major processor to raise its July milk price.

The co-op applied a 1.5c/l increase, bringing its July price to 32.86c/l, excluding VAT. The price includes a 0.25c/l SDAS quality assurance bonus.

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