Lakeland Dairies today (Wednesday, June 3) unveiled a £24.5 million investment boost in Northern Ireland “to support future growth in key export markets”.
The investment is earmarked for the co-op’s Ballyrashane site near Coleraine and is intended to strengthen its manufacturing base.
Lakeland Dairies plans to expand production capacity at the Ballyrashane site through “significant upgrades to liquid milk packing and butter production facilities”.
Northern Ireland’s regional business development agency, Invest NI, has offered LacPatrick Dairies, part of Lakeland Dairies, £2.5 million towards the investment through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative (AFII).
Speaking during a visit to Lakeland’s Ballyrashane site, the North’s Economy Minister, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, said the co-op has been an important part of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry for many years.
Lakeland’s Ballyrashane site produces butter for supermarket brands and specialist butter for bakery manufacturers across Europe.
Dr. Archibald said: “This significant investment demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to its business in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
“It supports the continued development of the agri-food sector, strengthens export capability and includes important investment in sustainability.
“It will also help improve productivity within the business and contribute to better regional balance by supporting growth and opportunity in this area, all of which align strongly with my economic priorities.”
Lakeland Dairies connects 3,200 family farms across 17 counties throughout Northern Ireland.
It reported an increase in turnover to €1.93 billion for 2025 up from €1.75 billion in 2024.
According to Lakeland Dairies 2025 annual report 54% of the co-op’s revenue went directly to its farmers last year.
The co-op paid its farmer suppliers a total of €1.05 billion in 2025.
According to Colin Kelly, CEO of Lakeland Dairies, today’s latest investment injection in the north is an important development for the co-op.
“This significant investment in our Ballyrashane site reflects our commitment to the future and our ambition to grow in both domestic and international markets.
“The programme will expand capacity in liquid milk packing and butter production, and will support new product development, allowing us to meet growing demand in export markets.
“The project will also deliver wider environmental benefits, further enhancing the site’s energy sustainability performance,” Kelly added.