“I commend the courage of both co-ops in agreeing this historic and strategic move to rationalise the domestic liquid milk business”, he said.

“I believe this move will prove to be a positive one for liquid milk suppliers across the region and nationally. It will allow Aurivo to achieve even greater scale and reach in their consumer food business. It will also allow Arrabawn the opportunity to focus on their core manufacturing business which has been transformed in recent times, particularly with the recent investment of €30m in the Nenagh plant”.