Production of infant formula by the major multinationals operating in Ireland has slowed dramatically in recent months, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

Industry sources say production volumes of infant formula at the Irish infant formula plants owned by Nestlé and Danone are down as much as 30% to 40% in recent months.

The Irish production drop is due to a sharp fall in demand from China and Europe. The reduced demand is being blaming on stockpiling of infant formula by consumers in the early months of 2020 and is of serious concern for dairy co-ops.

At the Wyeth Nutritionals plant in Askeaton, which is owned by Nestlé, it is understood infant formula output over recent months could be close to half its normal capacity.

It is a similar story for Danone, where infant formula production at its two sites in Cork and Wexford is also understood to be well down on normal levels.