Dairygold Co-op has taken in the majority of the milk suppliers who have left Kinisla, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.
In addition, it is understood that ArraTipp and North Cork Creameries have also taken in a number of ex-Kinisla suppliers.
Kerry Co-op has formally written to the former Kinisla suppliers, outlining its intention to expel them as co-op members.
In the letters, seen by the Irish Farmers Journal, it is stated that a decision on their expulsion will be discussed at a co-op board meeting on 1 December on the basis of “conduct detrimental to the society”.
It is understood that this refers to the fact that the farmers in question are now supplying milk to processors other than Kerry Creameries Ltd, a subsidiary of Kinisla and the nominated milk purchaser for Kerry Co-op.
The contract between Kerry Co-op members to supply milk to Kinisla ended on 30 April this year, with a new contract put forward by Kerry Creameries Ltd in which farmers had until 4 August to sign.
Both Kinisla and Dairygold Co-op declined to comment on the developments, but the Irish Farmers Journal understands that Dairygold Co-op has taken in at least eight former Kinisla suppliers.
