Ornua, which exports 60% of Irish dairy products, saw an 18% rise in profits (EBITDA) to reach €43.1m last year. Operating profits surged 46% to €26.6m as it saw turnover on a like-for-like basis increase 9% to €1.75bn, once its US distribution business was excluded. Ornua sold this business (DPI) in December 2015 for €67m. The growth in turnover was driven mainly by volumes where product purchases rose 7% year-on-year, outstripping the rise in Irish milk supply of 4%. Currency also had a positive effect on turnover.