Co Sligo-based co-op Aurivo, which owns Connacht Gold and Donegal Creameries, has reported higher turnover, operating profits and its highest-ever milk intake in 2025.
Aurivo said its group turnover for last year increased by 12.3% to €814.2m, while its operating profit rose by 9.9% to €18.7m and EBITDA increased by 8.3% to €29.5m.
It said that despite a market correction in the second half of the year as European milk volumes increased sharply, its "strong business mix" supported a stable full-year performance.
It also reported its highest-ever milk intake of 544 million litres, up 5.3% year-on-year.
The average manufacturing milk price increased by 2.34 cent per litre to 55.3 cent per litre, it added.
14 new dairy entrants joined Aurivo in 2025, with discussions ongoing with about 30 potential entrants for 2026/27.
The Co-operative also said it invested €12.1m across the business during 2025, reduced net debt to close to zero and increased shareholder funds to more than €120m.
Aurivo recently announced an all-island strategic partnership with Dale Farm, which it said marked an important step in its strategy to drive growth, competitiveness and long-term value creation.
Looking ahead, Aurivo said it expects the volatility that emerged in late 2025 to persist through 2026, alongside rising compliance costs and broader geopolitical and trade uncertainty.
"Softer dairy markets, input-cost pressures and tighter livestock supply are likely to remain key features of the trading environment," it cautioned.
"However, Aurivo's strong strategic and financial position provides a sound basis for ongoing sustainable growth, with the Co-operative remaining focused on maximising returns for member owners and investing in long-term resilience," it added.
Donal Tierney, the chief executive of Aurivo, said that 2025 was a year of stable, resilient performance and strong delivery for Aurivo's member owners.
"Favourable growing conditions supported our highest-ever milk intake, while our continued focus on value-add growth, operational efficiency and disciplined capital investment helped Aurivo deliver a record financial performance," Mr Tierney said.
"As the year progressed, market conditions became more challenging, particularly in the final quarter as global milk supply outpaced demand," he noted.
"Notwithstanding those headwinds, Aurivo's strong business mix, sound balance sheet and clear strategic focus leave us well placed to continue delivering sustainable growth for our member owners in 2026," he added.
