From Farm to Fridge: Why Irish Shoppers Are Choosing Local Yogurt

Irish influencer Miriam Mullins learns about why shoppers are choosing local yogurt

From our primary school lunches to our pre-pilates class breakfast, Irish yogurt has long been a staple part of our diets. And it isn’t just because we love the taste, but mainly down to the fact that it’s a nutritious choice*.

It’s a snack that always makes us feel good, and one that supports local producers here in Ireland too.

It comes as no surprise to see shoppers picking up Irish yogurt during their weekly shop, but have you ever wondered why supporting local producers and shopping local is so important? In the final episode of Farm to Fridge, a new series brought to you by the National Dairy Council as part of the European Milk Forum Initiative, Irish influencer Miriam Mullins visits O’Keeffe’s SuperValu in Bantry to meet Dave Sheehan, dairy buyer for Musgrave.

In the previous episode, Miriam visited Glenilen Farm to learn about how milk is transformed into delicious natural yogurt, but now it’s time to see how Irish yogurt actually ends up in people’s baskets.

Dave Sheehan, dairy buyer for Musgrave, revealed that Irish yogurt has become one of the most dynamic categories in Irish stores. Irish shoppers are choosing yogurt more often because it is seen as a healthy, versatile, and local product*. 

Something we all love is that many of the yogurts available are not only made in Ireland, but they’re also recognisable.

Miriam hears that supporting Irish suppliers is a big focus for SuperValu. Most of their own-brand dairy products come from Irish producers, and customers are actively looking for Irish on pack. For a store in West Cork, it is especially important because there are high-quality yogurt makers nearby, like Glenilen Farm, that local shoppers already know and trust.

But what is influencing buying decisions? The biggest influence here is where the product comes from. Dave explained that customers are paying more attention to where their products are made, as well as what ingredients are in them. For many people, choosing local products made with Irish milk and supporting local jobs is part of that.

There’s no doubt that many of us are having protein yogurts for our lunch daily now, and it’s a trend growing more and more in the yogurt aisle. There has also been major growth in convenient formats like pouches for kids’ lunchboxes or people on the go.

SuperValu Bantry is only a short distance from Glenilen, so when customers buy Irish yogurt there, they know they are supporting farmers and producers in their own county.

The story concludes in episode three of Farm to Fridge. Irish yogurt starts on grass-based farms, is made into yogurt in local facilities, and then lands in stores where Irish shoppers can choose it. Every purchase helps keep that local food chain going.

Want to stay up to date on all things Farm to Fridge? You can follow along on the National Dairy Council’s Instagram account, @ndc_ie. And remember, always choose Irish yogurt to support local producers.

*Yogurt is recommended as part of the Department of Health’s Food Pyramid, which advises 3 servings from the ‘milk, yogurt and cheese’ food group each day as part of a healthy, balanced diet.