Bandon Co-op was founded in 1903 by pioneering farmers, it is wholly owned today by its farmer shareholders. It was one of the first co-ops to be established. It purchased milk from its farmer/shareholders, used it to manufacture butter which was marketed in Ireland and overseas. The co-op grew and expanded its operations significantly since the early 70’s following the country’s membership of the EU.

It formed a joint venture, along with three neighboring co-op’s in 1968, with Express Dairies to build a skim milk and cheese processing/manufacturing facility, this business was fully acquired in the early 90’s by Bandon, and the three other co-ops, this business has evolved to the Carbery Group.

All of Bandon Co-op’s milk, is collected from farms, and sold to, and processed by Carbery. Visit www.carbery.com for more information.

Clona Dairy Products, a liquid milk and consumer and food service products distribution business, was acquired by Bandon, with 41.67%, and two neighboring co-op’s in 1989. Visit www.clona.ie for more information. 

Bandon Co-op has three business units:

The Agri Division has developed, and grown significantly since it was established in the early 1970’s. It manufactures and markets a range of quality assured ruminant and poultry feeds, sells fertilisers and other farm inputs, is involved in local grain purchasing and drying, as well as a farm advisory service.

The business is focused on growing and maintaining its market share, within its catchment area, by excellent customer service, competitiveness and sales performance

The Retail Division was established in the 1980’s, today there are three modern retail outlets in Kilbrogan (Bandon), Kinsale and Enniskeane offering a comfortable shopping environment, excellent customer service, and product information. The range includes building materials, DIY, gardening, heating & plumbing, farm hardware, tools, electrical, home improvement and household goods.

The business is focused on growing and maintaining market share within both rural and urban communities, by making available, relevant products, at competitive prices, quality service delivered by knowledgeable and committed staff, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The dairy products division supplies consumer and food service packed butter, primarily in Ireland, with a smaller volume exported. The business unit is focused on growing market share, by new product introduction, and customer service.

Bandon Vale Cheese Limited is a major supplier of consumer and food service packed cheese in both the home and export market. It operates from a state-of- the-art facility in Bandon.

For further information visit www.bandonvale.ie

The Brewery Food Centre was developed in 1994 to encourage entrepreneurial young people and has been very successful. The project represents commitment to development and the creation of jobs by the Board of Bandon Co-op.