Glanbia Ireland committed to contracted Malting Barley for 2020

Glanbia Ireland, the largest buyer and user of Irish grains, has a long-term strategy in place to help grow our premium contracts for growers to deliver more value to the sector.

The spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the restrictions to help curtail it have negatively impacted on demand from the brewing and distilling industries in recent times with the closure of bars and restaurants.

GI is committed to purchasing all contracted tonnes of malting barley from our growers that meet the required specification in 2020.

John Kealy, Glanbia Ireland’s Head of Grains, said: “Guaranteeing our contracted malting barley tonnage for our growers is a very significant statement of support in what is currently a very challenging market. Most importantly, it ensures an outlet for all contracted malting barley tonnes for 2020. We will continue to work hard to minimise the impact of Covid-19 for all our growers in 2020.”

As the largest buyer and user of Irish grains, GI’s total green grain intake in 2019 stood at over 207,000 tonnes, 40% ahead of the previous year and well ahead of the 24% growth in the national harvest.

GI values its close relationship with its grain suppliers and will continue to prioritise the supply of grain from Co-op Members and loyal customers across the 2020 season.

GI continues to strive to increase its portfolio of Premium Grains. For 2020, GI has successfully doubled the area sown to gluten-free oats in order to meet increasing demand from customers for GI’s innovative range of tailored products.

Grain Planning Census and Purchasing Policy

As part of our long-term strategic planning for our quality grains, GI has undertaken a Census involving one-to-one feedback from our grain suppliers. The Grain Planning Census will provide key information and insights to help inform a longer-term business strategy.

Commenting on the Census, John Kealy said: “Grain suppliers have been offered the opportunity to have their say through completing and returning these forms. We will be finishing the collection of all the forms in the coming weeks.”

In order to support the efforts to maximise the value for our grain growers and to continue developing opportunities in the value-add markets, in the coming weeks GI will circulate a Grain Purchasing Policy to all its growers.

The Purchasing Policy has been created by our Grains team to cover key aspects such as grain quality; payment; services available and key regulations.

First Published 13 May 2020