Dairy Connect Ireland

Dairy Connect Ireland: A National Platform, an International Gateway.

Ireland’s dairy sector stands at a point of inflection. Global demand remains strong, yet producers and processors are navigating intensifying sustainability requirements, cost pressures, evolving trade routes, and rising expectations from buyers and consumers alike.

Dairy Connect Ireland has been created to respond to this moment.

This is not simply an exhibition, nor solely an awards programme. It is a joined-up platform that brings together production excellence, commercial opportunity, leadership dialogue, and sector recognition—within a single, carefully curated event.

For exhibitors, it offers access to decision-makers actively shaping capability and supply.

For producers, it provides recognition, insight, and routes to market.

For sponsors, it delivers alignment with leadership, innovation, and the future direction of Irish dairy.

A focused exhibition designed for quality engagement

The EXPO brings together a carefully selected group of exhibitors and attendees, prioritising relevance and depth of conversation over scale.

Who Exhibits

Artisan and large-scale producers
Dairy processors and ingredient specialists
Technical service providers
Packaging, sustainability, and systems innovators
Research and education institutions

Why Exhibit

Exhibitors benefit from:

Direct access to producers, buyers, and sector leaders
A highly targeted professional audience
A platform aligned with innovation, sustainability, and leadership
Opportunities to engage within both the EXPO and wider programme

This is an exhibition designed to generate meaningful conversations, not footfall metrics.

A Gateway to the ICDA Awards | June 2026

All producers entering the Dairy Connect Cheese & Dairy Awards will receive complimentary exhibition space at the ICDA EXPO in June 2026, enabling them to:

Showcase award-entered products to UK and international buyers
Engage directly with retailers, foodservice operators, and distributors
Leverage Irish recognition as a platform for wider market entry and export growth
Position products within one of the world’s most respected dairy exhibition and awards environments

This progression transforms award entry into a commercial opportunity, not simply a mark of recognition.

For Producers

Participation in the Irish Cheese & Dairy Awards offers:

A respected route to independent, expert validation
Benchmarking against peers within the Irish dairy landscape
Recognition that strengthens retail, export, and foodservice conversations
Guaranteed visibility at the ICDA EXPO 2026, alongside leading global producers
Alignment with a broader national and international platform focused on capability, quality, and growth

Judging takes place on-site within the Dairy Connect Pavilion, reinforcing transparency while allowing exhibitors, partners, and attendees to witness the depth and integrity of the evaluation process.

From National Recognition to International Visibility

By connecting Dairy Connect Ireland directly with the ICDA Awards and EXPO, producers gain more than a trophy—they gain momentum.

An evening of connection, leadership, and influence

On the Thursday evening of, Dairy Connect Ireland hosts the Ambassadors Dinner - a private, invitation-led gathering limited to 100 guests.

Who Attends

Senior producers and business leaders
Sponsors and strategic partners
Judges and industry ambassadors
Influential voices from across the dairy ecosystem

Why It Matters

The dinner provides a rare opportunity for:

Senior-level networking in a relaxed, curated environment
Building relationships beyond transactional exchange
Aligning with the leadership narrative shaping the future of the sector

For sponsors and partners, this is where visibility becomes credibility.

Places are strictly limited to preserve the quality and integrity of the experience.

What is Dairy Connect Ireland?
Dairy Connect Ireland is a national gathering designed to unite producers, processors, retailers, technologists, educators, and policymakers.

Across the one day, the event blends a respected Irish cheese judging programme with networking, capability-building sessions, and sector-wide conversation focused on sustainability, innovation, systems thinking, and export growth.
Who should attend?
The event is built for professionals across the dairy value chain, including:

Artisan and large-scale producers

Dairy processors and ingredient manufacturers

Retail and foodservice buyers

Technical specialists and consultants

Researchers, students, and educators

Policy and regulatory leaders

Innovation and sustainability practitioners

If your work touches any part of the dairy sector, the event offers insight, connection, and opportunity.
Where and when does the event take place?
Dates: Wednesday 15 April – Thursday 16 April
Location: BIA Innovator Campus, Ireland

Day One hosts the networking reception and cheese pairing. Day Two includes the launch of Dairy Connect Ireland, national Irish cheese judging, and the Connection Hub session
What happens during the Connection Hub sessions?
These sessions are structured around three of the most pressing themes facing the Irish dairy sector:

Sustainability: environmental performance, compliance, and future regulation

Export Production: competitiveness, capacity, and global opportunity

Innovation Systems: technology adoption, process optimisation, and new product pathways

Each session blends expert insight with practical discussion, offering attendees a clear sense of the shifts shaping the sector and the actions that can drive resilience.
Can I exhibit at the event?
Yes. Exhibitor spaces are available for producers, technical partners, research organisations, sustainability specialists, and service providers. Exhibiting offers direct access to decision-makers seeking capability, innovation, and collaboration.

A downloadable exhibitor pack outlines stand options, pricing, and sponsorship opportunities.
How do I apply to judge or enter cheese classes?
Producers may enter Irish cheese classes through the published DP-coded listings. Judging is conducted by experienced industry professionals following a consistent and transparent methodology.

Full entry criteria and judging guidance will be available on the Judging page.
What are the benefits of attending the event?
Attendees gain:

Direct exposure to leading voices shaping Ireland’s dairy future

Access to technical insight across sustainability, innovation, and systems development

Opportunities to build partnerships, commercial connections, and sector relationships

A route to understand market forces shaping both domestic and export opportunity

A place within the national conversation on dairy capability and resilience

The event is intentionally constructed to support both strategic thinking and practical application.
How do I register my interest?
You will be able to register directly through the website’s event page.

Registered participants will receive updates on programme developments, exhibitor announcements, and judging timelines.
How can organisations become event partners or sponsors?
Partnerships are available for organisations wishing to profile leadership in sustainability, innovation, export systems, or technical excellence. Packages are tailored to ensure meaningful visibility and sector impact.

The event team can advise on the best fit for your objectives.
Is Dairy Connect Ireland part of a wider programme?
Yes. Dairy Connect Ireland forms part of a multi-year strategy designed to strengthen capability across the UK and Irish dairy sectors.

It sits alongside the NEXUS leadership programme, Dairy Mail intelligence platform, and future events planned across the wider Dairy Connect ecosystem.

Why Dairy Connect Ireland, why now?

What is Dairy Connect Ireland?