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 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 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

Dairy 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.

An evening of connection, leadership, and influence

On the Thursday evening of, Dairy Connect Ireland hosts the Dinner recognising Women in Dairy.

Who Attends

Senior producers and business leaders
Artisan & small producers
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:

Networking in a relaxed, curated environment
Building relationships beyond transactional exchange
Aligning with the leadership narrative shaping the future of the dairy sector in Ireland

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?