Dale Farm profits fall 16% as Covid costs hit business

Belfast dairy and ice cream producer’s sales rose £19m in 2020 to £524m over last financial year

A Dale Farm production line. Pre-tax profit fell 16 per cent to £8.2 million from £9.8 million
A Dale Farm production line. Pre-tax profit fell 16 per cent to £8.2 million from £9.8 million

Profits at dairy co-op Dale Farm fell 16 per cent to £8.2 million (€9.55 million) as Covid-19 costs hit the business in the 12 months ended March 31st.

The Belfast-headquartered dairy and ice cream producer said on Wednesday that sales rose £19 million in 2020 to £524 million over its last financial year.

Pre-tax profit fell 16 per cent to £8.2 million from £9.8 million. Its operating surplus after once-off charges fell 18.8 per cent to £9.9 million.

Group chief executive, Nick Whelan, said that Dale Farm benefitted from a boost in retail sales, but saw its foodservice business decline as the pandemic hit.

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“Additional operating costs were incurred during the year due to Covid-19, however despite these headwinds we achieved a solid set of financial results,” he said.

Mr Whelan said that the co-op continued to focus on maximising returns to members through innovation, adding sales outlets, boosting margins and controlling costs.

Barry O'Halloran

Barry O'Halloran

Barry O’Halloran covers energy, construction, insolvency, and gaming and betting, among other areas