Parts of the Irish dairy industry are currently undergoing a strategic transformation, driven both by its global leadership in the production of infant formula and by the rapid growth of the market for medical nutrition and proteins. Bolstered by rising demand for nutritional solutions designed specifically for older people, cancer patients or those recovering from a stroke, this sector offers growth prospects and margins that are significantly higher than those of traditional dairy products.

Danone recently announced the construction of a new plant for the production of medical nutrition solutions in County Cork, Ireland, which is due to come on stream in 2028. Danone’s medical nutrition division had already achieved annual turnover of almost €3bn by 2025, although the potential is still considered to be far from fully realised. The leading brands for adult products, Fortimel and Nutrison, now form a rapidly growing platform with turnover of €1bn.

Fig.: Vectorportal