Dairy Connect Ireland
15-16 April 2026
in conjunction with BIA Innovator Campus, Athenry
Dairy Connect Ireland Partners
A National Platform, an International Gateway
Dairy Connect Ireland has been created to respond to this moment.
Dairy Connect Ireland is the national open forum dedicated exclusively to the Irish Dairy Industry this event is focusing on bringing together artisan and farmhouse cheesemakers, scaling producers, processors, retailers, researchers, policymakers and commercial partners from across the island of Ireland.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.
This is not simply an another 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.
What is Dairy Connect Ireland?
It is the first purpose-built platform in Ireland designed to connect every tier of the dairy ecosystem in one focused, strategic environment.
Dairy Connect Ireland combines:
- Industry-led conferences
- Technical and commercial insight sessions
- Structured networking
- Recognition of the role of women in shaping Irish Dairy
This is not a generic trade show. It is a curated dairy industry forum shaped by Irish producers, for Irish producers.
Why convene this forum?
The Irish Dairy Industry is one of the country’s most significant economic and cultural assets globally respected for grass-based production, premium quality and world-class artisan and farmhouse cheese.
Yet the sector is navigating:
- Sustainability pressures
- Market consolidation
- Export volatility
- Scaling challenges for SMEs
- The need for stronger domestic collaboration
Dairy Connect Ireland exists to strengthen the sector from within to create clarity, connection and commercial momentum for Irish dairy businesses with growth ambition.
It is about ensuring Ireland’s dairy story is not only preserved, but advanced with confidence.
Why should you attend Dairy Connect Ireland
For Irish Dairy Delegates
- A forum built specifically around Irish dairy challenges and opportunities
- Direct engagement with policy makers national agencies and industry bodies
- Insight that translates into commercial action
- A platform where artisan and large-scale producers are equally represented.
For Speakers
- Influence within a nationally significant sector
- A senior, focused industry audience
- Opportunity to shape dialogue at a defining time for Irish dairy
- Association with a credible, forward-facing national platform.
For Sponsors
- Strategic alignment with Ireland’s € multi-billion dairy sector
- Meaningful brand visibility within a trusted industry setting
- Direct access to domestic producers and scaling enterprises
- Long-term positioning within a growing national industry movement.
For Exhibitors
- Curated exhibition space limited and intentional
- High-value conversations with real decision-makers
- Access to artisan, scaling and export-ready Irish dairy businesses
- Commercial opportunity within a focused industry ecosystem.
Dairy Connect Ireland Forum
A focused forum designed for quality engagement.
The FORUM 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.
Southern Ireland SDT Regional Meeting: Advances in Dairy Processing
As part of the two-day Dairy Connect Ireland programme at the BIA Innovation Campus, Galway, the Southern Ireland SDT Regional Meeting will take place on 15 April, bringing the wider dairy industry together for a focused technical session on Advances in Dairy Processing.
This SDT meeting is designed to give delegates a practical deep dive into the latest applied research and capability-building initiatives shaping processing performance, efficiency and sustainability across the Irish dairy sector.
What to expect
Recent DPTC research projects
A technical update on work focused on enhancing evaporator and spray dryer efficiency — key operational levers for improving energy use, throughput and overall plant performance.
UCC Dairy CoVE project dissemination
An overview of the Dairy CoVE initiative, including project background and progress, and how its outputs are being translated into real-world learning and industry development.
Biomethane Development
A presentation from the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation exploring biomethane development and its relevance to decarbonisation pathways and future energy models for dairy operations.
Who should attend
Dairy processing and operations teams
• Engineering, energy and utilities stakeholders
• Technical and quality leaders
• Sustainability and ESG leads
• R&D, research and innovation teams
• Academics, students and industry partners interested in capability development
Registration and access - tickets are separate to the Dairy Connect Ireland event and can be ordered via the following link;
Dairy Connect Dinner
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.
The Programme
Day One – Wednesday 15 April
Event build and exhibitor preparation
SDT Southern Ireland Regional Meeting: Advances In Dairy Processing Technology | 1pm- 5pm
Including presentations from DPTC, AEDIL CoVE
Networking evening with cheese and whisky pairing hosted at the BIA Innovator Campus - 'celebrating women in dairy'
Day Two - Thursday 16 April
09:00 – 10:00 | Registration and coffee
10:00 – 10:15 | Official launch of Dairy Connect Ireland
Artisan & Small Producer Sessions
10:30 - From Story to Proof: What Buyers Now Expect from Artisan Producers
11:30 - Modern Dairy Demand: Where Growth Is Really Coming From
Large & Scaling Producers Open Sessions
10:30 - Sustainability Has Become a Procurement Requirement
11:30 - Nutrition as a Growth Engine, Not a Claims Game
12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch and networking
Artisan & Small Producer Sessions
13.30 - Productivity Without Losing Soul
14.30 - Packaging, Shelf-Life and Trust: Your New Route-to-Market Engine
15:30 - From Maker to Market: Growing Without Becoming Generic
Large & Scaling Producers Open Sessions
13.30 - Productivity by Design: How Margin Will Be Won in 2026
14.30 - Packaging, Shelf-Life and Transparency as Strategic Assets
15:30 - Resilience as a Growth Capability
18:30 - 00:00 Dairy Connect Ireland Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Exhibitors & Partners
Why Exhibit
Exhibitors join a curated environment that prioritises quality engagement over scale. The event brings together producers, buyers, educators, technologists, policymakers, and investors who are actively shaping Ireland’s dairy future.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partnership packages are available for organisations wishing to profile leadership, innovation, sustainability, or technical capability.
Exhibitor Profiles
- Producers across cheese, dairy ingredients, and value-added products
- Technical service providers
- Research and education institutions
- Packaging, sustainability, and systems innovators
Frequently asked questions
What is Dairy Connect Ireland?
Dairy Connect Ireland is a national gathering designed to unite producers, processors, retailers, technologists, educators, and policymakers.
Across the two day's, the event blends 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
SDT Regional Meeting followed by networking reception and cheese pairing.
Day Two includes the launch of Dairy Connect Ireland and the Connection Hub sessions.
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.
- Sustainability: environmental performance, compliance, and future regulation
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.
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.
- Direct exposure to leading voices shaping Ireland’s dairy future
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 and exhibitor announcements.
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, Irish and global dairy sectors.
It sits alongside the EXCHANGE leadership programme, Dairy Mail intelligence platform, and future events planned across the wider Dairy Connect ecosystem.
For more information
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