Ornua, the company which was formerly known as the Irish Dairy Board has opened a new Kerrygold packing facility in Nigeria.
The joint venture between Ornua and Fareast Mercantile will create a new route to market for Irish powdered milk in Nigeria under the Kerrygold brand.
The Irish company hopes to generate sales of €3bn as the abolition of milk quota has allowed it to grow its export business and Asia and Africa have been singled out as two regions with high growth potential.
“Importantly for Irish dairy farmers, this development offers an enhanced route to market for the additional forecasted milk volumes,” chief executive Kevin Lane said, commenting on the deal.
Orna opened its African headquarters in Port Elizabeth during 2013, it employs 250 people there directly and indirectly.
The new factory was opened by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney in Lagos. He is currently leading a trade mission to Nigeria.