Yoghurt deal churned out at Dale Farm

Dale Farm has announced the acquisition of the specialist Scottish yoghurt and health drinks manufacturer, Rowan Glen Dairy Products.

Dale Farm said the acquisition, which was for an undisclosed sum, was an important element in its plans to grow its consumer foods business and follows the recent merger of Dale Farm Dairies and Dromona Quality Foods, which created Dale Farm.

David Dobbin, Group Chief Executive of United Dairy Farmers, Dale Farm’s parent company said: “This acquisition will further Dale Farm’s declared objective of developing its consumer foods business in the retail and food service sectors.

"It will also provide Dale Farm with increased market share in the growing yoghurt and health drinks markets and a valuable Scottish regional brand. We are especially targeting the GB market, and acquiring a quality dairy company such as Rowan Glen is a means of fast-tracking our growth in that market.“

Dale Farm plans to develop the Rowan Glen business and invest in its manufacturing facilities. However, Dale Farm chairman, Sam Torrens, gave the assurance that the acquisition would complement and strengthen the Northern Ireland business without affecting the company’s commitment to developing its operations here.

He added: “Our plans for the continued development of our Northern Ireland manufacturing base will not be affected by this acquisition. We see this move as a means of creating greater job security and developing career opportunities for all existing employees both here in NI and in Scotland."

The new business will continue to trade as Rowan Glen Dairy Products under existing management.

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