WEALTH April 22, 2026 0 Comments

Tirlán’s 2025 Results Defy Expectations—What They’re Doing Behind the Scenes Will Change the Game Forever

Ever wondered how a farmer-owned co-op could sprint ahead in a year when markets felt more like a rollercoaster? Well, Tirlán Co-operative Society just dropped a jaw-dropping €2.9bn in revenue for 2025—up 10% from the previous year—and that’s not just luck; it’s the blueprint of smart hustle across agribusiness, consumer goods, and ingredients. This isn’t just about fattening the bottom line; it’s about backing those on the front lines—the farmers—through thick and thin, investing in their future right when volatility tried to knock them down. Their secret sauce? A fierce focus on supply, shrewd money management, and a Total Member Returns model that makes sure the spoils aren’t just for the suits in the boardroom. Add in bold moves like spinning out 15 million Glanbia shares and launching targeted support programs, and you’ve got a co-op that’s rewriting the rules on rural economic muscle and sustainability. Curious to see how they pulled this off and what’s brewing next in Ballyragget’s €126m expansion? Let’s dive deep. LEARN MORE

Tirlán Co-operative Society has reported a strong financial and operational performance for 2025, with revenue rising to €2.9bn, an increase of 10% year-on-year, driven by growth across its agribusiness, consumer and ingredients divisions.

The farmer-owned organisation said the results reflect continued investment in the business alongside sustained support for its members, with a particular focus on strengthening farm incomes amid ongoing market volatility.

Chairperson John Murphy said the Co-op delivered consistent profitability during the year while significantly improving its debt position.

He noted that performance was underpinned by strong supply volumes and a disciplined approach to cost and cash management, alongside continued investment aimed at long-term value creation.

Murphy added that the Board remains focused on delivering competitive milk and grain prices, while also broadening how value is returned to members through its Total Member Returns model.

This includes direct payments, support schemes and share distributions. During 2025, Tirlán completed a spin-out of 15 million Glanbia plc shares to members and introduced a number of targeted financial supports.

Among these was a €15m Generational Renewal programme designed to encourage new entrants into dairy farming, offering a 2 cent per litre bonus on milk supplied during their first three years.

The initiative has seen strong uptake, with 52 new entrants expected this year. The Co-op also introduced a €5m TB Support Programme, providing optional advances on future milk payments for farmers impacted by bovine tuberculosis.

Chief Executive Seán Molloy said 2025 marked a record year for milk supply, with volumes increasing by 7% and milk solids up 9%.

Tirlán processed approximately 3.2 billion litres of milk, around one third of Ireland’s total pool, and paid an average milk price of 54.4 cent per litre, up from 52 cent in 2024.

The Co-op also remained the largest purchaser and user of Irish grain, with intake reaching 234,000 tonnes.

In total, €1.8bn was paid out to farmers for milk and grain, underlining the organisation’s economic contribution to rural communities.

Nearly half of all grain delivered qualified for premium payments, reflecting a continued shift towards higher-value markets.

Tirlán also completed the close-out of its Exchangeable Bond during the year, resulting in its lowest net debt level in over a decade.

The Co-op retains a 17.9% shareholding in Glanbia plc, valued at €734m. Since 2012, it has distributed 63 million shares to members, now worth approximately €1.07bn.

Commercially, the group reported strong retail performance from its Avonmore brand, supported by protein-focused innovation, while Avonmore Professional cream continues to expand internationally, now reaching 35 countries.

(L-R) Michael Horan, Chief Financial and Secretariat Officer, John Murphy, Chairperson, Seán Molloy, Chief Executive Officer and Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

Dairy ingredient sales rose 13% to 415,000 tonnes, despite challenging conditions towards the end of the year.

Looking ahead, Tirlán is investing €126m in its Ballyragget facility to expand whey processing capacity, targeting high-growth nutrition segments. The Co-op also progressed sustainability initiatives, including a new solar farm at the site expected to supply over one-third of its electricity needs.

The organisation welcomed the extension of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation and said it will continue working with stakeholders to support water quality, farm viability and the long-term sustainability of grass-based agriculture.