Aurivo, the northwestern co-op, told suppliers that discussions are ongoing with Dale Farm co-op in Northern Ireland to explore how the processors could work together to “maximise synergies” for the benefit of their shareholders.

The co-op said that Aurivo and Dale Farm have established a small team to scope potential cost savings and that both businesses continue to adopt a proactive approach to optimising market opportunities.

Dale Farm, which processed 1bn litres of milk in 2024, is owned by 1,300 dairy farmers across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.

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Its annual report for 2024 showed a profit before tax of £31.8m (€36.6m). Aurivo’s milk pool is just over 500m litres and its profit before tax was €12.3m in 2024.

AGM

Aurivo CEO Donal Tierney announced earlier this year his intention to step down from the role after the co-op’s annual general meeting (AGM) in May 2026. Dale Farm is scheduled to hold its AGM on 22 October 2025.

There are sure to be plenty of questions at that about the nature of the closer co-operation envisaged by the co-ops and whether it could progress towards merger talks.