Lisavaird Co-Op 1925 - 2025

A Century of supporting local community and growth 

Since our founding in 1925, Lisavaird Co-Op has grown from a small local initiative to a thriving hub of agricultural and customer services. Here's a look back at some of the key milestones that have shaped our journey: 

1925 

Lisavaird Co-Op is established at Lisavaird, West Cork. A group of local farmers united to improve their livelihoods through cooperation, initially focusing on butter production and farm supplies. Milk intake in the first year reaches 700,000 litres. The original site was purchased from John Giles for ten £1 shares.  

1957 

South West Cork Co-Operative Society (SWCBS) is formed, marking an era of greater collaboration among local co-ops. 

1960s 

• Expansion includes the purchase of a piggery and farm in Kippagh, which becomes a progressive dairy and pig farm. 

• Milk collection lorries are introduced, streamlining operations and reducing manual transport. 

1965-1966 

Carbery Milk Products is established as a partnership between the four West Cork Co-Ops and Express Dairies, heralding a new era in cheese production. 

1989 

Clona Dairy Products is acquired from the Hurley family by Lisavaird Co-Op, Barryroe Co-Op and Bandon Co-Op, strengthening our foothold in the dairy sector. 

1992 

Carbery Milk Products becomes 100% owned by the four West Cork Co-Ops, including Lisavaird Co-Op, after its purchase from Express Dairies. 

2006 

Shinagh Estates (formally SWS) is acquired, providing new opportunities for agricultural development. 

2009 

Lisavaird Co-Op diversifies into food production with the purchase of Glen Aine Foods and Leeway Foods, incorporating cooked meats into its portfolio. Both are merged into one site in Limerick. 

2014 

Coolmore Cakes, with it’s production facility based in Bandon is added to Lisavaird Co-Op’s ventures, bringing premium cakes and confectionery into the fold. 

2015 

Glenmar Seafoods, with operations in Union Hall, Cork and Dublin is acquired, expanding into seafood production. This has grown to include operations in Galway, the UK, and Italy. 

2017 

The purchase of JDS spreads, with it’s production facility based in Cork enhances Lisavaird Co-Op’s dairy product offerings, complementing its core food operations. 

Major Recent Milestones 

2023-2024 

• A €5.5 million investment in a state-of-the-art mill facility is completed, increasing feed production capacity and quality. 

• An investment of €6m in new purpose-built group offices, retail outlet and a heavy goods garage open at Lisavaird. 

• The original Lisavaird grocery store closes, and a modern convenience store opens in its place, featuring expanded grocery and fuel services. 

2025 

Lisavaird Co-Op prepares to celebrate its centenary, reflecting on a proud history while looking forward to a future of innovation and growth. 

From our beginnings as a small creamery the business has grown to our current position today as a diversified Co-Op incorporating agriculture, retail, food production, wind farms, properties across Ireland, the UK, Europe and Internationally.