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Dairy Supply & Demand: How Ireland’s Exports to Europe Stay Fresh

Ireland’s dairy industry has long been a vital player in global food markets, and in 2024, the country remains one of the largest exporters of dairy products in Europe. With an estimated €5.5 billion worth of dairy exports projected for the year, Ireland’s dairy products are in high demand across Europe, particularly in countries like the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. However, as with all perishable goods, ensuring the freshness and quality of dairy products during transport is of utmost importance.

At HANNON Transport, we are experts in providing end-to-end logistics solutions for Ireland’s dairy exports. With over 40 years of experience in cold chain logistics, we play a crucial role in maintaining the freshness of dairy products, ensuring that they reach European consumers in optimal condition. Whether it’s milk, cheese, butter, or cream, our tailored temperature-controlled transport services are designed to meet the unique needs of dairy producers and exporters.

The Growing Demand for Irish Dairy

Ireland has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality dairy products, thanks to its fertile soil and temperate climate, which are ideal for grass-fed dairy farming. Irish dairy is not only known for its taste and nutritional value but also for its sustainability and eco-friendly farming practices.

In 2024, it is predicted that Irish dairy exports to Europe will continue to rise. The UK remains the largest market, accounting for about 40% of total dairy exports, followed by key EU markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. As European consumers demand more high-quality dairy products, especially in the wake of rising interest in plant-based alternatives and organic products, Irish dairy producers are working to meet this growing demand.

Projected 2024 Dairy Export Figures:

• Total Value of Irish Dairy Exports: €5.5 billion.
• Top Export Markets: UK (40%), France, Germany, Netherlands.
• Key Products: Milk, cheese, butter, cream, and yoghurt.

This increase in demand means Irish dairy producers must rely on efficient, reliable, and fast logistics to ensure their products reach European markets in the best possible condition.

The Importance of Cold Chain Logistics

Dairy products are highly perishable, which means that temperature control is crucial from the moment they are produced to the time they reach the consumer. Without the proper handling, dairy can spoil quickly, resulting in loss of quality, texture, and taste, and ultimately leading to waste. Therefore, cold chain logistics – a temperature-controlled supply chain – plays a key role in the transportation of dairy products.

At HANNON Transport, we ensure that every dairy product we transport remains within its ideal temperature range, preventing spoilage and maintaining the quality and freshness that consumers expect from Irish dairy.

Challenges in Dairy Transport:

• Temperature Sensitivity: Dairy products like milk, butter, and cream must be transported at specific temperatures to prevent bacterial growth, spoilage, and changes in taste.
• Humidity Control: Excess moisture or dryness can alter the texture of dairy products, especially cheese, which requires a balance of humidity to maintain its firmness and prevent it from becoming too soft or hard.
• Fast Delivery: Dairy products need to be delivered quickly to reduce transit times and prevent any decline in quality during long journeys.

HANNON’s Cold Chain Transport Solutions for Dairy Exports

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in cold chain logistics, offering a comprehensive solution for the transportation of Irish dairy products. Our state-of-the-art temperature-controlled fleet ensures that every product – from milk and butter to cheese and yoghurt – is transported under optimal conditions, preserving the quality and freshness of each item.

How We Ensure Freshness:

Precise Temperature Control (2°C to 6°C): Dairy products are transported in refrigerated trailers, which are carefully monitored and maintained at the ideal temperature range to prevent spoilage. Our fleet is equipped with the latest temperature control systems, ensuring consistency throughout the journey.

Humidity Regulation for Cheese and Cream: Products like cheese and cream require specific humidity levels to maintain their texture. Our refrigerated trailers are designed to regulate both temperature and humidity, ensuring these products remain in perfect condition during transport.

Fast and Reliable Delivery: Dairy products have a short shelf life, making speed a critical factor in transport. We provide direct, fast routes from Ireland to key European destinations, ensuring minimal transit times. Our logistics network includes multiple daily services to the UK and regular services to other EU countries, including France and Germany.

Real-Time Monitoring: To ensure everything runs smoothly, we provide real-time monitoring of all shipments. This allows our customers to track their products from farm to destination, with up-to-date information about temperature, humidity, and arrival times. Should any issues arise, we can take immediate corrective action to protect the product’s quality.

Why Irish Dairy Exports to Europe Depend on HANNON Transport

Efficient logistics are essential for Ireland’s dairy industry to maintain its position as a leader in Europe’s dairy export market. HANNON Transport’s ability to provide reliable, flexible, and cost-effective transport solutions has made us a trusted partner for many of Ireland’s leading dairy producers.

Key Benefits of Our Dairy Transport Solutions:

Reliability: With a fleet that is regularly maintained and equipped with the latest technology, we ensure that dairy products are delivered on time and in perfect condition.

Flexibility: Our services are tailored to meet the needs of our customers, whether it’s a full truckload or smaller consignments. We offer a range of transport options, including dedicated and shared load services, ensuring cost-efficiency for all types of shipments.

Extensive Network: We offer daily services to the UK and regular services to key EU destinations such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, enabling Irish dairy producers to expand their reach across Europe.

Customised Solutions: Whether it’s managing temperature-sensitive cheese deliveries or handling time-sensitive milk shipments, our team works closely with customers to design solutions that fit their specific needs.

Sustainability and Efficiency in Dairy Logistics

As the demand for dairy products continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable logistics solutions. At HANNON Transport, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. We continue to invest in energy-efficient vehicles and sustainable practices, ensuring that our transport solutions not only meet the needs of our customers but also help support the environment.

For instance, we have adopted eco-friendly fuel alternatives and are continuously working towards optimising our routes to reduce carbon emissions. By investing in green logistics, we contribute to the sustainability goals of both the dairy industry and our clients.

Keeping Irish Dairy Fresh and in High Demand

The demand for Irish dairy products continues to rise across Europe, with exports expected to reach €5.5 billion in 2024. For Irish dairy producers to meet this demand while ensuring freshness and quality, reliable and efficient transport solutions are essential.

At HANNON Transport, we are proud to support Ireland’s dairy industry with our end-to-end cold chain logistics solutions. From temperature-controlled transport to fast delivery and real-time monitoring, we help ensure that Irish dairy products remain at the forefront of the European market – fresh, high-quality, and ready for consumers.

As the dairy industry continues to grow and evolve in 2024, HANNON Transport will remain a key partner in keeping Ireland’s dairy exports moving efficiently and sustainably across Europe