Global sales of butter and related dairy products under the Kerrygold brand have exceeded €1bn per year.
This is the first time an Irish food brand has reached this milestone. The brand is owned by Irish farmers though dairy co-operatives.
The Kerrygold brand was created by former Bord Bainne chief Anthony O'Reilly in 1962 to promote and facilitate the exportation of milk and milk products from grass-fed cows.
And while Kerrygold Butter has grown in popularity over the past five decades, the recipe has not changed since it was first produced in 1962.
Its distinct, rich flavour has established a committed following worldwide with 7.5 million packets of the iconic gold foiled product sold each week.
Kerrygold is the number two butter brand in the US and the number one butter brand in Germany, as well as being the fastest selling branded product on supermarket shelves in Germany.
There have been some iconic Kerrygold advertising campaigns over the years that have helped drive sales and brand recognition.
These included the 1982 "Put a bit of butter on the spuds Andre" television ad and the 1994 "Who's taking the Horse to France?" television ad campaign, both of which are very well remembered by people today.
Minster for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, said the Kerrygold brand has been instrumental in enhancing Ireland's reputation around the world as a sustainable food producer.
Managing Director of Ornua (formerly the Irish Dairy Board) Róisín Hennerty said this is a special day for the dairy industry with Kerrygold exceeding €1bn in annual sales and that the future is bright for the Kerrygold brand.
