North Cork butter brand to expand product range after 93% sales increase

KANTURK-MADE BUTTER HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL FOOD INDUSTRY AWARDS

An Irish butter brand that is made in Kanturk is expanding its range of products as its sales continue to grow.

Ór-Real Irish Butter is made by North Cork Creameries, a farmer-owned independent cooperative, using the “traditional method of slow churning”. The cooperative has announced that, amidst huge demand for Ór-Real, it is adding smaller 227g packs and unsalted versions of the product to its range.

First launched in October 2021, Ór-Real Irish Butter is said to have experienced a rapid growth, with sales increasing by 93% during 2023 and current targets being exceeded already this year.

The brand’s new products will be stocked in Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, BWG Foods (including Spa, Londis and Mace) and the Barry Group (including Costcutter and Quik Pick) stores.

Pat Sheahan, CEO of North Cork Creameries, said that Ór-Real Irish Butter is “a huge success story.”

“We have achieved our goal of establishing it as one of the leading brands in premium foil butter nationally in a very short space of time. We now have over 90% distribution with our current major retailers and plan to add more in the coming months,” Mr Sheahan said.

“The new pack sizes will give additional choice to consumers, the smaller 227g packs are more convenient especially for baking.”

Con O’Sullivan, a North Cork Creameries milk supplier, said that there is “something really special” about seeing Ór-Real Irish Butter on sale in shops across the country knowing that it was made using milk from his farm and other suppliers to the cooperative, which employs 120 people and supports 250 farming families across Munster.

Ór-Real has received a number of honours since it has hit the shelves. It was named Gold Award winner in the butter category at the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards and won Gold in the same category at Blás na hÉireann. It was also recognised at the Great Taste Awards 2023.