Dale Farm reports '˜solid' annual results following '˜year of two halves'

Group operating profit is up 9% to £9.8m, profit before tax increased 16% from £6.8m to £7.9m, with an associated EBITDA of £15.9 million. Overall group turnover grew by 5.1% to £389m.

The group generated a positive cash flow, with net debt having decreased from £66.6 million to £64.4 million.

“For the second year running, Dale Farm has delivered a solid financial performance, despite it having been a year of two halves,” said group chief executive Nick Whelan.

“We witnessed a 12% increase in consumer sales, driven by innovation in product development across our dairy portfolio of butter, ice cream, cheddar cheese, liquid milk, yogurt and fresh desserts.

“The recovery in global dairy markets in the second half of the year, combined with Dale Farm’s significant cost reduction plan, enabled us to pay a leading milk price to our farmer members in Northern Ireland and across Great Britain.”

Dale Farm’s strategy to grow its presence as a supplier into the sports nutrition market has also proven successful.

“A strategic focus for our business is the development of whey solutions, allowing us to respond to the growing domestic and international trend in protein based products,” Mr Whelan added.

The group’s feed business, United Feeds, delivered a “satisfactory performance” despite a challenging environment for farmers throughout the year.

Dale Farm is headquartered in Belfast and has bases across Great Britain. Its dairy brand portfolio includes Dale Farm, Dromona, Spelga, Mullins, Fivemiletown, Loseley and Rowan Glen.

Looking ahead, Mr Whelan said the firm would “continue to evaluate the considerable opportunities and threats that Brexit will present over the months ahead”.

“Our model presents us with much room for growth, as we remain focused on ongoing innovation and maximising new routes to market.

“Our overarching aim, however, is to continue to afford a leading milk price to our farmer membership.”