Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods, a division of Kerry Group’s dairy business Kerry Dairy Ireland, has launched a “category first” oat and dairy blended range of products.

The SMUG Dairy range, being described as “a disruptive new brand”, includes milk, cheese and butter which is made by combining “the goodness of dairy and plants”.

“This unique combination of oat and dairy offers consumers the ‘best of both worlds’ without compromising on the rich, creamy taste of dairy”, the company said.

The products are due to hit the shelves in selected supermarkets initially in the UK from the end of March.

Kerry Dairy Ireland has not yet said if the products will be made available to Irish consumers.

Kerry Dairy

Kerry Dairy Ireland said that the SMUG Dairy range, which has reduced saturated fat, has been developed in response to changes in consumer behaviour and preferences over recent years.

It added that the brand aims to “bring real innovation to the dairy category and shake up the binary perceptions of dairy and non-dairy markets”.

Victoria Southern, strategy, marketing and innovation director with Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods said:

“With this first-to-market category launch in the UK we are not only creating a new way for dairy-lovers to do dairy with a bold and exciting new brand but also to creating a dairy category that is fit for the future.

“This is an exciting launch for Kerry Dairy Consumer Foods as we continue to deliver against our
mission to reimagine dairy through innovation and sustainability to inspire a better future.”

Dairy cows in a field
Dairy cows on William Irvine’s farm. Image source: Cliff Donaldson

Earlier this month, Kerry Group confirmed an increase in its milk price for February to 40c/L, up from 39.5c/L.

This is including VAT for milk supplied last month at 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, consisting of a base price of 38c/L and a milk contract payment of 2c/L on all qualifying milk volumes.

The February milk price at EU standard constituents (3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat) is 43.88c/L.

Based on Kerry’s average milk solids for February, the price return inclusive of VAT and bonuses is 45.35c/L.