Kepak Launches “Forward Together with Every Step”
A Bold New Sustainability Platform for a Sustainable Future.
Kepak is excited to unveil Forward Together with Every Step, our new sustainability communications platform aimed at driving meaningful change across the farming sector, our operations, and the communities we serve. This initiative embodies our commitment to fostering a more sustainable future through collaboration, innovation, and tangible action.
A Warm Welcome to Kepak’s 2022 Graduates
We our delighted to welcome our Kepak 2022 Graduates!
Earlier this week, we hosted our incoming graduates for our Graduate Day in Castleknock Hotel. It was a chance for our new group of grads to gain a deeper insight into Kepak and what they can expect from the programme aswell as some much needed team bonding!
Kepak Appoints Prof. Damien McLoughlin to Its Board
The Board of Kepak Group, the leading Irish Food company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Damien McLoughlin as a non-executive director.
Prof. McLoughlin is Anthony C. Cunningham Professor of Marketing and Marketing Subject Area Head at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, specialising in agribusiness strategy and marketing.
Kepak Group Announces Major Sponsorship of Dunboyne GAA development
St Peter’s GAA Club Academy Facility To Be Named ‘Kepak Park’ As Part of 10-year partnership.
Kepak Group is proud to announce a significant new partnership with St Peter’s GAA Club, Dunboyne, that includes naming rights to the new St Peter’s Academy facility – Kepak Park.
The partnership agreement, which involves significant investment by Kepak over the next 10 years in support of the Club’s major €2.5m development plans, also includes primary sponsorship of their annual club summer camps. This partnership follows the announcement by Kepak last year that it had agreed on a three-year sponsorship deal with Meath Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) until the end of the 2022 season.
A Look Inside Kepak’s 2021 Sustainability Report
We at Kepak believe that sustainability should not be a side-line effort. It should be part of everything we do, a way of doing our job every day. We have a heritage that is rooted in sustainable development, via a lean manufacturing approach and company values that were established by our founder Noel Keating. Today we are driven by our company purpose of ‘Meat at our heart, innovation our driver, nutrition our future’ and our sustainability strategy Kepak CORE, which is our blueprint for sustainable growth.
Kepak Shortlisted for Prestigious International Marketing Award
Kepak is delighted to have been shortlisted for the prestigious International Marketing Award at the nation’s premier marketing event, the All-Ireland Marketing Awards (AIMs).
Through this nomination, the Kepak team behind the Rustlers brand has been recognised for the innovative, perception-altering ‘Better Than You Think’ campaign.
Rustlers, which is owned by Kepak, is one of the largest Irish-owned food brands with a presence across Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Holland complimenting a significant UK presence where it has a retail sales value of more than £115.4m.
Traditional Easter Leg of Lamb
Celebrate Easter and the coming of spring with a traditional roast leg of lamb paired with potatoes, carrots, peppers and red onions. Selected for it’s delicate flavour, it is the perfect Easter treat and suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
Classic Reuban Grilled Sandwich
Just because the St Patrick’s Day parades are cancelled, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate at home. Why not spice up your St Patrick’s Day by recreating this traditional Rueben sandwich? The Rueben sandwich is a classic American deli favourite, both incredibly satisfying and filling.
KEPAK BOOSTS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIP
Women working at Kepak will gain access to an industry-leading suite of career development tools and mentoring opportunities as part of a new strategic partnership with Meat Business Women, the female-led group that champions women in the global meat industry.
As a sponsor and strategic partner, Kepak secures priority access to Meat Business Women’s programme of events, networking opportunities, and mentorship schemes. It will also provide expertise and input into the group’s strategic direction and support its wider ambition of raising the profile of women in the meat industry.
Kepak Group Covid 19 Update
Kepak Group is designated as an essential service provider, ensuring that there is an adequate and quality supply of food available to customers and consumers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Our factories, therefore, have remained safely operational, since restrictions began in March.
At Kepak, the health and safety of our staff, customers and suppliers is our top priority. As such, since early March, we have implemented a wide and comprehensive range of Covid-19 control measures, including physical distancing and additional hygiene protocols, at all of our 13 locations across Ireland and the UK.
The Group has also established a Covid-19 Response Team at each of its sites, tasked with implementing the wide-ranging protocols and control measures to protect our employees who are officially designated as essential workers.
People Spotlight: Elaine Bourke, Innovation
As part of our #IWD2021 series, we’d like to introduce you to our Innovation Director, Elaine Bourke. Elaine works tirelessly to make sure @KepakGroup remains one step ahead of the game.
People Spotlight: Victoria Antoniades, Health & Nutrition
Ahead of #IWD2021, we spoke to Victoria Antoniades, Head of Marketing for Kepak Meat Division about her role within Kepak Group and her passion for Health & Nutrition. You can find out more about Victoria and her career with Kepak here.
People Spotlight: Kate O’Driscoll, Sustainability
Meet Kate, she leads the sustainability strategy for Kepak Group, where she helps to protect our environment. Kate spoke to us as part of our #IWD2021 series. Find out more about Kate and her role as Group Head of Sustainability.
Kepak Targets Welsh Apprenticeships to Upskill Its Workforce
Kepak has signed up to the Welsh Government’s Apprenticeship Programme to upskill and develop its workforce, upskilling 50 staff in the first phase of apprenticeships, increasing to around 100 staff within a year.
Our long-term aim is to offer an apprenticeship framework to all our employees at Merthyr Tydfil as there is a particular need to attract and develop skilled butchers who are in short supply across the UK meat industry.
Kepak secures USDA approval to distribute UK beef products in the US
We are delighted to announce that Kepak Group have been awarded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for the supply, marketing and distribution of premium beef products into the US market from its UK St Merryn, Merthyr Tydfil site. This USDA approval will see Kepak’s UK grass-fed, fully traceable and hormone-free beef products being marketed and distributed to the foodservice and retail sectors across the US.
NATIONAL BURGER DAY GOES VIRTUAL IN AID OF SIMON COMMUNITIES AROUND IRELAND
National Burger Day pivots online, and with every burger purchased and shared online a meal will be donated to Simon Communities around Ireland.
The day that burger lovers across Ireland have been waiting for is returning. On Thursday 25th June, National Burger Day, sponsored by Kepak, Flipdish and Blenders is going virtual – encouraging Irish burger enthusiasts to come together online, share a burger, celebrate everything that we love about burgers, and champion the food heroes feeding Ireland during lockdown!
In addition, for every burger purchased from your local burger joint and photo shared online, National Burger Day will provide a meal to Simon Communities Around Ireland. So, not only does every burger you buy support your local food businesses but also provides a meal to those who need it most.
Roast Chicken, the Perfect Wholesome Meal
The Perfect Wholesome Meal
As the current pandemic has caused a lot of us to become more health conscious, we are focusing this week’s Passion for Food on Roast Chicken and how to stretch this into two meals to feed the whole family.
The current pandemic has caused a lot of us to become more health conscious. While many foods are high in one or two nutrients, it’s important to look at the whole foods’ nutrient profile to achieve a balanced diet. This prevents overeating as we can meet the recommended nutrient intake requirements by consuming a smaller volume of food and is also benefits food waste and food security.
Spice Up Lunchtime – Thai Beef Salad
As we are now eating three meals at home during the week, it can be hard to come up with new lunch and dinner ideas. We’ve focused this week on a dish that can be incorporated into both lunch and dinner options.
Beef is not always something that is considered for a lunchtime meal but our Thai Beef Salad is an easy to prepare, light, a balanced meal containing a multitude of vitamins and minerals. This dish draws on the fresh flavours of Thai cuisine combining Chilli, lime, ginger and garlic to create a tasty, nutritious, quick but flavour-packed dish that brings steak alive at your lunch table!
Passion for Food Series: Homemade Burgers
Homemade Burgers Anyone?
There’s a hint of summer on the horizon with the sunshine and long days so this week, we are looking at Homemade Burgers. This simple homemade burger recipe is one the whole family will enjoy. We topped our burger off with bacon, gherkins and burger sauce but why not build your burger, your way!
Passion for Food Series: Scrumptious Steak Sandwich
How to make the perfect steak sandwich!
This week, we have crafted our Signature Steak Sandwich for you to enjoy. Our delicious Signature Steak Sandwich is topped off with rocket, sautéed mushrooms that are full of immune-boosting vitamin B, caramelised onions and horseradish mayonnaise. Remember you can substitute any of these ingredients to suit your preference!
Passion for Food Series: Slow Cooked Rib Broth
As a consequence of the current times, we’re all spending a lot more time at home and especially in our kitchens for fuel, sustenance and in some instances as an activity.
At Kepak we are passionate about food and produce wonderfully versatile products across all our sites of which these products are enjoyed each day. Each week we will be bringing you a variety of new dishes for you to try at home!
This week we are looking at how to create the perfect, soul-nourishing Slow Cooked Rib Broth.
Kepak backing Meath Ladies Gaelic Football Association
At Kepak Group we are delighted to announce a significant sponsorship deal with Meath Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) until the end of the 2022 season.
Kepak has been headquartered in Clonee, Co. Meath since the foundation of the company in 1981 and we remain committed and active in the local community. This sponsorship represents a new phase in our strong history with Gaelic games in Meath; Kepak and Meath GAA enjoyed one of the longest and most successful relationships in Gaelic football, featuring a 14-year sponsorship of the men’s team.
Our new partnership with Meath LGFA underscores Kepak’s commitment to supporting local communities, providing Meath LGFA with essential funding which will positively impact teams at every level. The agreement means our logo will reappear on Meath county jerseys and on new branding at Páirc Tailteann in Navan.
Kepak announce Welsh Black cattle scheme
Partnership with Welsh Black Cattle Society to provide a premium to suppliers
Kepak Group has today announced an exclusive scheme which will provide a premium to suppliers of quality Welsh Black cattle.
Kepak’s Welsh Black Beef Club, in partnership with the Welsh Black Cattle Society, will be based on the quality and sustainable supply of Welsh Black beef and promote the further development of the breed.
The scheme will be available from January 2020 to producers who can supply Welsh Black cattle that meet Kepak’s quality standards, including defined specifications and criteria yet to be confirmed.
A Look Inside Kepak’s 2019 Sustainability Report
Sustainability is More Important Now Than Ever Before
So, for a business that has grown from seven to 14 manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK, and to offices worldwide, we’re well aware that it’s so important that we have a strong and robust sustainability strategy – one that ensures Kepak is doing its part across the whole value chain and beyond, from local communities to the wider world. We want to lead by example and that’s what you’ll see in our newly launched 2019 Sustainability Report.
“We at Kepak believe that sustainability should not be a side-line effort,” says Kate O’ Driscoll, Kepak’s Head of Sustainability, “It should be part of everything we do, a way of doing our job every day.”
Kepak Group Serving up ‘Sunday Roast’ to Those Affected by Homelessness
Kepak Group is pleased to announce it is to supply enough meat to table a ‘Sunday Roast’ to those affected by homelessness supported by the Simon Community at the charity’s primary city locations over the next year.
As part of its ‘Sunday Roast’ campaign, which was launched today by former ‘MasterChef’ judge Nick Munier, Kepak will be delivering a range of beef, lamb, pork and chicken products to Simon Community locations across Dublin, Cork and Limerick once a week for 12 months.
Kepak secures USDA approval to distribute Irish beef burgers in US
Irish brand becomes first European meat processor to access US burger market
Kepak Group has become the first ever European meat processor to be awarded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for the supply, marketing and distribution of Irish beef in a value-added format of beef burgers into the US market.
The approval announced today at Anuga, the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages in Cologne, Germany, secures access for Kepak to the US beef burger market which is currently valued at over $122bn.
A Huge Welcome to Our 2019 Graduates!
This week we welcomed our Graduates for 2019. This year is our biggest year yet with 27 graduates joining our hugely successful programme!
Our graduates will be immersed in all things Kepak over the next two years. They will be split across various divisions and sites, working with numerous team, exposing them to all aspects of the business.
For their two day induction, our graduates took part in team building activities, enjoyed a tasting session in Blanchardstown, followed by a tour of Kepak Poppintree and Kepak Farm. We are looking forward to working with our new Graduates over the next couple of years!
RYAN CLARKIN
For anyone looking for the next step after university, the Kepak graduate scheme is really an amazing opportunity. You’ll get the chance to be immersed in all areas of the business and build an understanding of where the next steps are in your career. After completing the scheme you’ll transition into a role that suits you and has been built based on your experiences while on the scheme. The best part is you’ll be working within a company that is built on internal promotions and the development of its employees.
KATHLEEN O’CONNOR
I have had many highlights over my time with Kepak. I have been very lucky to get exposure to some really exciting and strategic projects. One of the key projects I worked on was the launch of the Blended Burger range. Kepak launched the Beefroot & Moo-Shroom burger in early 2019. These products were launched in response to the growing flexitarian trends we are seeing in the marketplace.
LIAM GROGAN
I’m currently involved in International Sales to the Philippines and Africa. This involves traveling to these markets, participating in trade fairs, customer visits, factories, etc. It has allowed me to gain a great understanding of the products and markets in which we deal, and also allows me to travel to many countries. Spending time in the factory has been invaluable, it’s a great way to see the full scope of the business.
AOIFE RYAN
The great thing about working at Kepak is the exposure to all facets of the business and the opportunity to really progress in areas that play to your strengths.
As a graduate trainee, I found there to be strong levels of support across the business, not just from your designated mentor, but also via the large community of graduates who have been through the programme.
CHRISTINE KEOHANE
I cannot speak highly enough of the Kepak Graduate Programme, I have had a brilliant year in which I got the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects in collaboration with various departments within the company. The training, mentoring and support you get throughout the programme really helped me succeed in my role and gave me the skills to progress in my career and take on a more challenging role within Kepak.
CONOR MCLOUGHLIN
My graduate experience in Kepak has been extremely enjoyable, an experience which has offered me many opportunities. I am constantly learning, and have had exposure to various business units within a fast-paced working environment. I have been lucky to work closely with very influential business leaders and learn from their feedback and support. There is never a dull moment in Kepak and every day is a learning day. I am now working in my 3rd factory for Kepak, there is still lots to learn, I am very grateful to all the people I’ve met along the way, and the friends and connections I have made on my journey.
ELLEN BUCKLEY
I graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science and now I am working in Human Resources, it really has been an amazing journey to say the least! The Kepak Graduate Management programme was the right fit for me because, like many graduates, I was not 100% sure what I wanted to do after college, but joining Kepak I was given the exposure to a number of different areas in the business before deciding on Human Resources. I started my programme on the factory floor, working in Operations in the Boning Hall and Abattoir.
SINEAD MURPHY
Every day is different here and I am learning something new every day. Kepak offer great opportunities and training for graduates. They have provided training courses throughout the programme for development. I feel the programme has developed me both personally and professionally. It is brilliant to get experience in other departments as you can see how all link together to work as a team.
Making a Difference: Cleaning Up a Local Estuary
Suez, one of our waste contractors, asked local businesses to get involved in their estuary clean up and we were delighted to take part!
Last Friday, myself, Ryan Clarkin Christopher Cocksedge and Marite Cernavska joined the team (13 people in total), at the estuary in Freckleton on the River Ribble.
In total we collected 104kg of plastic which will now be cleaned and recycled – the rangers were extremely impressed with the amount to collect. This included a lot of plastic bottles, cigarette butts, glass bottles, old sofa cushions, plastic plant pots, plastic buckets, and even a CAR BUMPER!
Kepak Graduate Management Programme Annual Presentations
Last week, each of our 2018/19 graduates from the Kepak Graduate Management Programme, presented to a selection of Kepak’s senior management about their first-year experience.
They all gave excellent insight into their differing experience and learnings so far in their career. Well done to all involved and we would like to wish them the best of luck in their career with Kepak
Kepak wins an outstanding 16 awards at the annual World Steak Challenge
Kepak Group has claimed a staggering 16 awards at the fifth-annual World Steak Challenge.
Kepak triumphed on home soil over stiff competition, not only from Ireland but from large beef-producing countries around the globe, as this year’s competition saw entries from 24 different nations, representing the biggest field of contestants in the competition’s history.
Welsh lamb producers showcase their skills as carcass event returns to St Merryn
St Merryn lamb producers once again had the opportunity to showcase their livestock selection skills as Kepak reinstated the lamb carcass competition at their site in Merthyr Tydfil last Tuesday (18th June).
The Hunt Is On For Ireland’s Best Burger
New research reveals that 70% of people believe Irish beef burgers are the best in the world *
It’s that time of year again, when burger-lovers across Ireland cast their votes to make the ultimate decision – who has Ireland’s best burger? Irish burger enthusiasts are being asked to cast their vote for their favourite burger to help celebrate National Burger Day, sponsored by Kepak, which takes place this year on 20th June.
Irish Food-to-Go market thrives as 72% of adults buy food and drinks to-go regularly
The Irish Food-to-Go market is thriving according to a new study, commissioned by Kepak Group, which has revealed that 99% percent of adults in Ireland have purchased food and drinks to-go.
The statistics show that the demand for food-on-the-go in Ireland is ahead of the market in the UK, where 60% of adults purchase food and drinks to-go on a regular (weekly+ basis) compared to 72% of adults who buy such products regularly in Ireland. And the market demands are increasing, with higher percentages of Irish millennials, Gen Z and Gen X making food-to-go purchases on a regular basis.
Glanbia Ireland and Kepak Group launch innovative new Twenty20 Beef Club
Glanbia Ireland (GI) and Kepak Group have today announced an ambitious and innovative new calf-to-beef programme.
The “Twenty20 Beef Club” affords Members a guaranteed market for their heifers and steers with a predictable and transparent pricing formula at time of slaughter; a production blueprint supported by safe and secure high-quality farm inputs and leading-edge technical advice.
For Kepak customers and consumers, the Twenty20 Beef Club will provide a secure and predictable supply of high-quality beef with unrivalled traceability and with the attributes of a “closed loop” supply chain.
Kepak backs first-of-its-kind Food-to-Go Summit
A first-of-its-kind international conference and trade show, supported by Kepak, is set to examine the future of the rapidly growing and evolving Food-To-Go market.
Taking place in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House on 21 May 2019, the immersive, full-day event will gather together a panel of expert speakers, award-winning retailers and industry specialists. The conference will also include an Exhibitors’ Hall where suppliers will showcase some of the most exciting ideas, innovative concepts and trending products in the Food-To-Go space.
AgraKepak named Food & Beverage Exporter of the Year at Asia Matters Business Awards
AgraKepak, a worldwide export and trading division of Kepak Group, has been named Food & Beverage Exporter…
AgraKepak’s Journey at China’s Biggest Import Expo
Government ministers and officials were briefed on AgraKepak’s success and the development of marketing Irish pork and beef products into Chinese market, at the Bord Bia reception at the 2018 China International Import Expo (CIIE) recently.
At the reception, Jiang Bian and Xiaoming He of AgraKepak presented to Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation; Andrew Doyle, Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture; Sinead McPhillips, Assistant Secretary, Agri-Food Sectoral Policy and Strategy Development; and Tara McCarthy, CEO Bord Bia.
Grab food to go profits with Kepak’s HOT new food concept
As dayparts continue to blur and snacking soars, Kepak is launching its new Goode & Tucker range in response to the growing demand from customers for hot grab-and-go options. The new range launches today (8 November 2018) at the IGD Food To Go Conference.
As a market leader in foodservice and the chilled convenience category, Kepak is bringing its experience and expertise to the food-to-go market with a ‘Foodvenience’ concept that blurs the lines between foodservice and retail.
Kepak beefs up CSR programme with meaty Simon Community partnership
Kepak to provide charity with enough meat for over 45,000 meals.
New partnership will reduce homelessness charity’s meat costs by 30%
Kepak Group is delighted to announce it has partnered with the Simon Community, providing free meat to the homelessness charity.
Over the next four months, Kepak will be delivering a range of beef, lamb, pork and chicken products to Simon Community locations across Dublin, Cork and Limerick. During this time, Kepak will donate some 4.2tonnes of meat to the Simon Community, reducing the charity’s meat costs by almost 30%.
Kepak at SIAL Paris 2018
Meet Kepak at SIAL Paris 2018 As We Unveil Our Latest Product Innovations. Come and visit us at Hall 6 Stand H216 to have a try of our latest product innovations: the first-ever Omega 3 enriched beef and our new ‘blended’ burger range in response to growing health & flexitarian trends.
Kepak launch first-ever Omega 3 enriched beef at SIAL
Other new product innovations being unveiled include a range of ‘blended burgers” in response to growing flexitarian trend.
Kepak Group is set to unveil its latest product innovation – the first Omega 3 enriched beef – this week at the influential Global Food Marketplace trade fair, SIAL, in France.
Kepak’s Omega 3 beef innovation was produced through a three-year collaboration with Alltech and is achieved by feeding cattle with a specialised algae supplement during the finishing phase. This means the beef reaches the required level of enrichment for Omega 3 accreditation.
Kepak Eyes Further Expansion into Chinese Market
Did you know that AgraKepak, the international trading division of Kepak Group, has been doing business in China and the rest of the Far East & South East Asia for 15 years?
The growing importance of the Asian markets to the business led Kepak to open its own office in China, located in Shanghai, in 2016. That office is managed & staffed by five Chinese nationals who intimately understand the needs of the Chinese market. AgraKepak’s China team has many years of experience in supplying the market with quality beef, pork, fish, lamb and poultry.