Dale Farm, the largest dairy co-op in Northern Ireland, has said that it has an interest in the developments at LacPatrick Dairies.
On Wednesday, LacPatrick chair Andrew McConkey said the co-op is pursuing a number of strategic options with a view to identifying the best way forward that is in the interest of its suppliers, shareholders, staff and customers.
"This may or may not include partnerships, joint ventures, mergers and other opportunities to consolidate the dairy industry,” McConkey said.
While Dale Farm has not explicitly expressed an interest in LacPatrick, it has said that it has an interest in the developments.
Interest in developments
In a statement, a spokesperson for Dale Farm said: “As the largest farmer-owned dairy co-operative in Northern Ireland, and indeed the UK, Dale Farm has been made aware of the situation at LacPatrick and we have an interest in these developments.”
Formerly United Dairy Farmers, Dale Farm is owned by over 1,300 dairy farmers across the UK. The CEO of the company is Nick Whelan, formerly of Glanbia.
Dale Farm, which is head-quartered in Belfast, said that its business model presents the company with much room for growth, particularly in relation to Brexit, given its strength in the UK market and ongoing commitment to innovation.