Ingredient Solutions is a leading cheese supplier, providing comprehensive product development to large manufacturers and foodservice companies. Offering technical expertise and manufacturing experience, the company provides high-quality results. Procurement Manager Claire O’Gorman, Managing Director Gary Davies and Environmental & Sustainability Coordinator Gerard Cronin discussed investments and sustainability, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
ASa company, Ingredient Solutions is constantly evolving, Managing Director Gary Davies said: “One big change is the retirement of our founder Ian Galletly. He has formally hung up his cheese iron and will be missed. He started the business 25 years ago and will be back to cut the ribbon of our new factory in the summer of 2025.
“I have been given the pleasure of stepping into his role and, with a phenomenal team of people, a new factory and a global presence, I am excited to drive the business forward and build on his legacy.”
“Gary Davies, with years as a Sales Director and extensive cheese expertise, has now stepped into the Managing Director role, ready to drive growth, innovation and strengthen industry relationships for success,”
explained Procurement Manager Claire O’Gorman. “We wish him luck in the new role.”
From consultancy and product design to prototype development and full-service production, the company offers a personalised service that meets a range of client demands. Exporting to over 30 countries, Ingredient Solutions has a diverse portfolio of products designed to meet the specific needs of various industries.
The company’s facility is located in Boherbue, Co. Cork, which is a major region for cheese production in Ireland. Building on centuries of tradition, Ingredient Solutions has perfected a wide selection of cheeses including grated, block, crumb or bespoke blend.
“In terms of popularity, we are seeing a resurgence in top-end, high-quality cheddars,” added Mr Davies.. “We buy the best
locally and export to the UK, Europe and beyond. It’s no secret that Irish cheese is among the best in the world.”
New developments
In May 2022, Ingredient Solutions was acquired by leading Austrian dairy company, Rupp. This has given the company additional resources and enabled it to relaunch its foodservice brand, Yellow Road. Rebranding the logo and expanding the product range, Yellow Road has become a trusted partner for chefs looking to elevate their dishes.
“Yellow Road translates to Boherbue in Gaelic, our home in Ireland,” explained Mr Davies. “We are trying to build on the heritage of the brand, the excellent reputation of Irish dairy and everything else we stand for in terms of sustainability. Formally
launched at the 2024 SIAL Food trade show, we are already seeing the success of Yellow Road all over the world.”
Also in 2024, Ingredient Solutions began construction of its new factory. The site is still under construction, with an investment of over €15 million to be made in 2025.
Sustainability has been integrated into the factory’s design, preparing the company for the future.
Sustainable features of the factory include heat recovery technology, which captures heat to be used within the production process, significantly reducing energy consumption. This results in lower emissions and greater efficiency in operations.
An air-to-air system has been incorporated into the office spaces of the factory. This takes the heat from outgoing air and transfers it to the fresh air, allowing for efficient air circulation and minimised energy use. The site will also have solar panels installed on the roof, enabling the use of renewable energy.
“These systems collectively demonstrate our commitment to sustainability,” continued Mr Cronin. “As construction progresses, these features will play a crucial role in establishing the factory as an eco-friendly, modern facility.”
Environmental performance
Ingredient Solutions is dedicated to sustainable improvement and is an active participant in both the Origin Green and EcoVadis programmes. The company is also engaging in the CSRD, prioritising environmental performance through measurable directives.
The company has introduced several initiatives within its production process to
improve its environmental impact. This includes reducing the amount of materials used in packaging, using Pallecon’s reusable and collapsible containers, and introducing biodegradable gloves.
“All these initiatives reduce the amount of waste we produce, significantly minimising our carbon footprint,” commented Mr Cronin. “With our packaging, we minimise plastic use while maintaining the quality of our products. Using Pallecons improves transportation efficiency and prevents single-use plastics. Lastly, the biodegradable gloves reduce landfill waste. All these actions highlight our ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
To drive these sustainable initiatives, the company introduced the role of Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator. This reflects Ingredient Solutions’ commitment to improving its impact and will help the company meet environmental goals going forward.
“As the Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, I am excited to make a tangible impact on the planet by reducing waste, conserving energy and fostering eco-friendly practices,” added Mr Cronin. “Each day brings opportunities to innovate and develop creative solutions, collaborating with passionate colleagues. Ingredient Solutions is proud to contribute to a healthier future for the planet.”
Ingredient Solutions also promotes sustainable farming practices and engages with suppliers to explore environmentally friendly options. Carbery and BiOrbic have launched
a project called Farm Zero C, which aims to develop a large-scale, climate-neutral dairy farm.
“We plan on visiting this farm soon,” said Mrs O’Gorman. “It excites me to discover and curate exceptional products for our customers. Meeting people who are passionate about their craft and learning about sustainable farming practices really drives the company forward.”
Continued growth
To create and deliver the most high-quality products, Ingredient Solutions has established long-term partnerships with its suppliers, Mrs O’Gorman continued:
“Building relationships with Irish cheddar producers is not just beneficial; they are a cornerstone of the business’s reputation and success. Irish manufacturers have built a reputation of quality and authenticity that can attract customers who are looking for Irish cheeses.”
As well as fostering collaborative supplier relationships, the company strives to create an atmosphere that supports and encourages employees. Recently, Ingredient Solutions celebrated six employees who
have reached the milestone of 20 years with the company.
“Their dedication, hard work and commitment have been instrumental in our success,” continued Mr Davies. “We are grateful for their unwavering loyalty and the valuable contributions they have made over the years. We’d like to congratulate them all on this remarkable achievement.”
Moving forward, Ingredient Solutions will develop its Yellow Road range. The company plans to add more functional, time-saving and value-added products to its portfolio, supporting customers in bringing new ideas to their menus. Products such as the cheese sauces aim to simplify cooking and allow the chef to explore new recipes.
“We have a wide range of products, and a huge number of different customers in different countries and sectors,” added Mr Davies. “Therefore, we need to be nimble and react to market changes. We are all about being proactive and delivering futureproof solutions to align with consumer demands.
“Whether it’s reducing cost, improving texture or adding flavour, we have the expertise to do almost anything! I really mean that” n
