Kerry Dairy Ireland has unveiled plans to invest €300 million ($349.6 million) aimed at enhancing manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability initiatives within the food and beverage industry.
As the owner of the Cheestrings brand and a recognized ingredients supplier, the company has announced that this strategic investment will result in the creation of “more than 100 new roles” over the next two years.
In addition to the investment announcement, Kerry Dairy Ireland has rebranded itself as Kinisla, a name that embodies both kinship and island identity. Chris Roberts, Managing Director of Kinisla’s consumer foods sector, stated, “This investment will turbocharge our innovation pipeline, strengthen our supply chain, and support our ambition to reimagine dairy and inspire what’s next for the category.”
The €300 million investment will be allocated across five years, benefiting both the consumer foods and nutritional ingredients divisions. Notably, the nutritional ingredients segment supplies essential proteins and whey to food manufacturers, underscoring its pivotal role in the food and drink business.
Kinisla emphasized that this investment will “fuel growth by supporting manufacturing innovation, operational scale, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.” Moreover, the company expects to generate “more than 100 new roles across central functions, innovation, and commercial operations over the next 12 to 24 months.”
In response to inquiries, Just Food has requested more details regarding this significant undertaking. A recent “business review” report for 2025 revealed that Kinisla employed more than 1,700 staff last year.
Last year, Kerry Co-Operative Creameries acquired 70% of Kerry Dairy Ireland from Kerry Group for €350 million. The cooperative possesses a call option on the remainder of the business until July 2035, which would involve an additional payment of €150 million.
In September, then Kerry Dairy Ireland announced the discontinuation of its ‘hybrid’ dairy products launched in the UK under the Smug brand in 2024. The company had previously touted this as a “category first,” blending oats with traditional dairy.
Despite initial listings in major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, Kerry Dairy Ireland decided to phase out the Smug hybrid range, opting instead for a comprehensive dairy snacking lineup under the same brand.
In a rapidly evolving landscape of food and drink consumer trends, Kinisla’s bold investment and rebranding efforts illustrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with prevailing industry demands.
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