Dairygold and Ornua awarded for sustainability efforts

Bord Bia Origin Green. (Picture: Fennell Photography)

Dairygold Food is one of 55 Origin Green Gold Members for 2022, and one of seven Cork companies to receive the sustainability accolade.

The annual Gold Member event, now in its third year, acknowledges the efforts of companies which have achieved exceptional annual performance on their sustainability targets.

These are measured in areas such as raw material sourcing, water and energy efficiency, waste reduction, packaging and social sustainability, based on the assessment of its independent verification authority, Mabbett.

The awards were announced by Bord Bia. Amongst the other companies awarded were six other Cork offerings, namely Bantry Bay Seafoods, Clonakilty Food Co., Hassetts Bakers & Confectioners, Nutrition Supplies, Staunton Foods Ltd., and Velo Coffee Roasters.

Nationally, Ornua and Lee Strand Cooperative Creamery Ltd. are also on the list, as are the Kerry Group and Murphy’s Bakery, based out of Abbeyfeale. 

Deirdre Ryan, Director of Origin Green and Sustainable Assurance at Bord Bia, said the aim of Origin Green membership is to inspire the entire Irish food and drink industry towards sustainable production.

“It’s wonderful to see the range of awardees from all areas of the industry this year, as the assessment of Gold Membership allows smaller companies to be recognised alongside large organisations for the strength of their sustainability achievements.

“Since the inception of the Gold Membership in 2020, it has strengthened the ambition of our members and encouraged Irish food and drink companies to increase their sustainability efforts in order differentiate themselves from the competition in the marketplace.”