Green focus powers growth of Northern Irish yoghurt producer

Investment in an anaerobic digester is helping to drive the growth of Clandeboye Estate, Northern Ireland's only yoghurt producer.

The digester has been installed on the historic estate's farm, near Bangor in county Down, where the award-winning yoghurt producer is based.

Fresh milk from the 100 strong pedigree Jersey and Holsten herd is used in the production of the range of yoghurts which compete successfully in the crowded dairy products market with national and multinational yoghurt manufactures.

The estate's investment in the new digester is increasing the competitiveness of yoghurt production and enabling the business to explore additional products and opportunities in Great Britain and other markets outside Northern Ireland.

Fresh milk is sourced daily from the award-winning herd which is reared using the highest animal husbandry and welfare standards. Close attention is also paid to grass quality, an important consideration in dairy processing, on the sprawling estate.

The digester is fuelled from the estate's waste and short cropped silage and is a further demonstration of its commitment to sustainability.

Clandeboye's premium yoghurts, which have won UK Great Taste Awards and Irish Quality Food awards, are aimed at consumers who like to buy premium produce from "a place they know," according to estate manager Mark Logan.

Currently Clandeboye yoghurts are retailed in Northern Ireland by supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda as well as in convenience stores and delis.

The yoghurts have also been available in the Republic of Ireland from retailers. German discounter Aldi, for instance, has been selling the premium yoghurt under the Clandeboye label for over a year.

Currently the Clandeboye herd of 70 Holsteins and 30 Jerseys has a rolling average of 4.5 butterfat and 3.45 protein from twice a day milking. "Just as our two breeds and anaerobic digester need consistent silage so our expanding Clandeboye Estate yoghurt business must have premium quality milk with a consistent analysis," Mr Logan adds.