The board of Aurivo Co-operative Society has this week elected Pat Duffy as Chairman of the co-op and Raymond Barlow as Vice Chairman for 2016/18.
Duffy is a dairy farmer from Gortletteragh, County Leitrim and holds a Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business) from UCC.
He has been a member of the Aurivo Board since 2002, serving as vice chairman for six years between 2008 and 2014.
Barlow is also a dairy farmer and is from Riverstown, County Sligo and joined the Aurivo board in 2014.
Duffy paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman, Tom Cunniffe saying that under Cunniffe’s chairmanship, Aurivo has made substantive strides to strengthen the co-op across each of its business areas, delivering enhanced efficiencies and adding value through the acquisition of leading UK sports nutrition business, My Goodness Ltd, and the introduction of a new Fixed Milk Price Scheme.
“Aurivo has a very strong business with a lean operational footprint, especially strong global customer relationships, a strong innovation pipeline, an excellent team, and a strategic focus that positions Aurivo well for sustainable growth.”
However, he said that global dairy markets continue to be challenging, impacting on its supplier base, and it’s vital for the co-op and its owners that each part of the supply chain is strong enough to sustain volatile conditions.
With that in mind, the co-op will continue to focus on supporting its suppliers through its Farm Profitability Programme, maximising operational efficiencies and delivering on value-added opportunities, he said.