Last week’s talks between Kerry Group and Kerry Co-op’s leading milk price committee over the contentious “leading milk price” issue have been described by both sides as “constructive”.

Both sides will meet again today (Thursday) to continue negotiations.

In September, an independent arbitrator ruled that the four west Cork co-ops should be included in determining the “leading milk price” on a like-for-like basis.

Shareholders

Separately, the Irish Farmers Journal understands around €90m will be paid out to shareholders in Kerry Co-op who applied for the latest share redemption window.

Kerry Co-op is understood to have sold 800,000 of its Kerry Group shares at a price of €112.50 each.