21 May 2025

Building the Future of Dairy: Insights from Cork’s IDF Joint Symposium

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) Joint Symposium on Dairy Drying Technology and Recombined Milk Products, held recently in Cork, brought together leading voices from Ireland and around the world. In this piece, Rose Edwin shares key takeaways from the Leaders Panel discussion.

Co-hosted by Teagasc, University College Cork, and the IDF, the event offered three days of insight, innovation, and collaboration across science, policy, and industry.

The Leaders Panel, chaired by Conor Mulvihill, Dairy Industry Ireland, provided a snapshot of the sector’s key challenges and opportunities. Framing the discussion around sustainability, innovation, workforce development, and global trade, his moderation set a thoughtful and grounded tone for the session.

Making dairy careers attractive

A key topic raised by the panel was the future workforce in dairy. From engineers and food scientists to marketers and machine operators, the sector offers diverse opportunities. However, attracting new talent remains a challenge. There needs to be a greater effort made to make students and graduates aware of the dynamic and rewarding careers the dairy industry can offer.

KJ Burrington, American Dairy Products Institute, and Prof. Seamus O’Mahony, UCC, called for stronger links between universities and the dairy world. Their message was clear: we need to inspire the next generation and give them real opportunities to thrive.

Turning research into real-world innovation

Ireland continues to demonstrate strong leadership in dairy science. However, the panel reflected on the shared challenges and innovations shaping the global dairy industry. Topics ranged from advancements in nutrition to innovations in sustainable processing technologies. As one speaker noted, “Great science only matters if it reaches the factory floor or the supermarket shelf.”

Teagasc, UCC, and international partners are working closely with industry to make sure research doesn’t sit on a shelf. New collaborations are making it easier to share knowledge, create smarter products, and keep Ireland at the forefront of global dairy.

Climate, sustainability and the future of food

The panel didn’t shy away from tough topics. Climate change, labour shortages, regulation, and rising costs were all on the table.

Eoin O’Brien, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, reflected on Ireland’s navigation of Brexit and regulatory shifts. He highlighted how collaboration between regulators, farmers, and researchers is key to building resilience.

Gert Hols, Danone, stressed the importance of consumer-focused products that are nutritious and environmentally responsible, pointing to targeted fermentation and plant-dairy hybrids as opportunities for innovation.

From an engineering standpoint, Hayden Bennett, Relco, underlined the need for automation and flexible manufacturing systems that can adapt to shifting demands. Balancing scale with versatility will be vital for future-ready production.

Dairy has a role in a healthier future

From sports nutrition to healthy ageing and medical nutrition, dairy ingredients hold significant potential. Realising that potential however, requires a combination of strong science, clear communication, and effective marketing to connect with the right audiences.

We are stronger together

Across all speakers, one message rang loud and clear: the future of dairy depends on partnership.

Collaboration across the entire chain, from research institutions and producers to processors, policymakers, and educators, is essential to drive innovation, ensure sustainability, and meet evolving consumer demands.

Ireland has shown that it can lead the way, and with continued investment, collaboration, and creativity, it will.