Every year Centenary Dairy contributes nearly 200 million litres to Ireland’s national dairy supply, which is enjoyed around the world in our famous butter, cheese and nutritional markets.
Our Dairy business is responsible for the following operations:
Dairy Ingredients
The Tirlán Dairy Factory in Ballyragget is the largest multi-purpose integrated dairy plant in Europe. Since our initial investment in the plant in 1968 amongst 36 other co-ops, we have remained suppliers of high quality milk as it has grown into a hi-tech processing and innovation centre.
Consumer Milk Brands
What isn’t exported is enjoyed closer to home by consumers of our two liquid milk brands, Tipperary Fresh and Thurles Fresh Milk.
Excellence, when it matters most
We know we are only as strong as our membership, in particular our farmers and their families.
When in comes to our products, we are only as good as our raw materials. In the case of our Dairy business, it’s all about the milk.
Local Guaranteed
The National Dairy Council mark gives consumers the assurance that they are supporting local jobs, because the milk or cream they are buying has been farmed and processed in the Republic of Ireland. Thurles Fresh Milk has been licenced to carry the NDC Guarantee since its development in 2009.
Harnessing Technology
Our state-of-the-art laboratory in Ballyduff provides our farmers with real-time and whole herd testing facilities, supported by an App developed for dairy farmers to store and analyse milk collections, quality tests and financials.
World Class Standards
100% of our members are certified by Bord Bia’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, producing world-class dairy products and contributing to Ireland’s international reputation for excellence.
Award Winning Quality
We’re very proud that our member’s superior milk products continue to garner recognition on the national stage.
We have been represented in the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards final every year since 2012, and have enjoyed significant success, claiming both Winner and Runner-up.
Fully Traceable, from Farm to Fridge
Technology, traceability and testing are vital to the trust consumers have in the quality of our products, and this commitment underpins all of our processes.
Independently Audited & Approved
Centenary Thurles were one of the first Co-ops to achieve 100% membership in the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). The scheme, implemented by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board is built around best practice in farming, legislation and industry guidelines and international standards and accredited to ISO 17065:2012.
100% Managed Supply Chain
Our own processes align with SDAS obligations, giving us 100% visibility over the supply chain. From electronic tagging of every single animal, whole-herd testing facilities and data analysis tools, and ongoing investment in animal nutrition, soil and water science and advisors, we’re able to drive animal welfare, environmental health and product quality at every stage of our process.
Our Brands
Thurles Fresh Milk
For many decades Thurles Fresh Milk has brought the freshest flavours of Tipperary to kitchen tables throughout the county.
From Farm to Fridge
All our milk is sourced from nearby farms, so our milk gets to the shelves quicker for our customers to enjoy fresher.
Find the full range of our freshest skim and whole milks and creams at local County Tipperary supermarkets and Centenary Thurles Farm Stores.
Thurles Fresh Milk
Enjoy in 500ml, 1L, 2.L and 3L bottles, or our new 1L Eco-pak, a fully recyclable tetrapak carton.
Low Fat Milk
Full on flavour, lower in fat. Available in 2L and 2.5L bottles, and our new 1L Eco-pak, a fully recyclable tetrapak carton.
Thurles Fresh Cream
For cooking, whipping and enjoying fresh, choose from 200ml, 250ml, 500ml up to 2L and 3L catering packs.
Buttermilk
Perfect for pancakes and other home cooking, look out for 1L bottles and cartons.
Skim Milk
Enjoy great flavour with lower calories, with our 500ml Skim and 1L Slim options.
Santa Pack
Christmas has officially arrived when our famous Santa cartons hit the shelves. Enjoy the great taste of Thurles Fresh Milk with a little extra magic – in 2L bottles and our new 1L Eco-pak, a fully recyclable tetrapak carton.
Tipperary Fresh
Tipperary Fresh is a milk produced by cows that have a diet free from Genetically Modified ingredients.
The first such product on Irish shelves, Tipperary Fresh is guaranteed by our 100% managed supply chain and Foodchain ID certification.
Enjoy Tipperary Fresh Milk
Our cows graze on lush Tipperary pasture and enjoy non-GMO animal feed in colder months. This helps limit our dependency on ingredients coming from around the world and the associated pollution and transport emissions, and we’ve also removed soya ingredients, to help protect wildlife and biodiversity in vulnerable areas.
Good, Inside & Out.
Home grown non-GMO crops also provide an abundance of benefits here – providing a natural habitat for bees, improving soil health and biodiversity.
All the goodness inside the bottle is matched by the Tipperary Fresh pack, which is lightweight and recyclable.
The Way We Farm
Grass Fed Goodness!
Ireland’s temperate climate and landscape, and tradition of family farming makes it a uniquely natural place to produce grass fed dairy.
Containing more beneficial nutrients than milk from conventional indoor-feeding practices our grass fed system also supports healthier, happier cows.
Our Specialty Feeds
For the cold winter months when cows are sheltered from the weather, Centenary Thurles Feeds have developed a specialty range of dairy feeds, scientifically balanced to improve health and milk quality.
Traceable, Verified & Sustainable
These foods supplement grass-based winter fodder (silage and hay) in a traceable, verified feeding system designed to meet the Bord Bia Grass Fed Dairy Standard which operates alongside their Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme.
