Clóna's part in launch of US smoothie brand in Ireland

A WEST Cork dairy is supplying the milk for a major new product launch on the Irish market.

Kefir is an ancient cultured drink, which is rich in probiotics and known for its health benefits.

America’s number one Kefir brand – Lifeway Kefir’s smoothies – are produced in Ireland using fresh West Cork milk from Clóna dairies. 

The drinks are now available in major supermarkets across Ireland, in a variety of milk smoothie flavours.

The deal with Clóna means that 50 local dairy farmers are being supported by the product.

The  smoothies are made using fresh milk from cows grass-fed on small family-run farms in West Cork, cultured with a completely natural bacterial fermentation starter – Kefir. 

Derived from the Turkish word kief, meaning ‘good feeling’, the health benefits have long been celebrated. 

The drink was considered to be a gift from the gods, thanks to its renowned health-promoting properties. Each serving has 10 live and active cultures, 41 kcal, less than 1 gram of fat, and no gluten, additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.  

Speaking following the Irish launch, Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods, Inc. said: ‘We are very proud to have been able to develop an Irish version of this locally-produced milk from grass fed local West Cork cows.’

She said that access to such high-quality ingredients was a key factor in Lifeway’s decision to manufacture their European line in Ireland. 

‘We are planning to launch the range right across Europe and are very excited to offer health-conscious Irish consumers the first taste,’ said Ms Smolyansky.

A recent report by Allied Market Research projects a surge in the global probiotics market to USD .4bn by 2022, with food and beverages accounting for four-fifths of the total.