10 September 1997
Following extensive research and development, North Connacht Farmers Co-op (N.C.F) has produced a herb and garlic flavoured butter which is being marketed by the Irish Dairy Board under the "Kerrygold Krauterbutter" brand.
Launched just three months ago on the German market, the product was immediately popular with consumers and to date the tonnage exported is indicative of a bright future for the product.
This week, N.C.F's herb and garlic butter won the new Food Product Award organised by the Teagasc National Food Centre and the Irish Shows Association.
The product developed by a team led by N.C.F R&D manager Pat Cummins, is manufactured from specially crystallised cream with fresh herbs and garlic. It is preservative and additive free and is easily spreadable.
A substantial capital investment has been made by N.C.F in a purpose built packaging hall at Achonry, Co. Sligo and an extensive marketing and promotional campaign is being supported by An Bord Bia.
Commenting on N.C.F's award winning butter Michael Farrell, Chief Executive of the co-operative said that this was the second time for the society to win the prestigious national award. In the past ten years when others were moving away from butter, N.C.F Research and Development was concentrated in this sector.
He said: "Our first success was Connacht Gold which is now a nationally successful brand, while N.C.F's herbal butter with garlic, which we manufacture for export to Germany through the Irish Dairy Board, has met with a tremendous response in retail stores throughout Germany", he said
"N.C.F's policy to develop added value products based on butterfat and protein is geared to maintaining viable milk production throughout North Connacht" Michael Farrell said.
