The National Dairy Council (NDC) has just announced an inspiring new campaign – Yogurt, It’s Great Inside – in partnership with the European Union. The yoghurt, It’s Great Inside campaign will promote the important benefits of yoghurt, both for our health and our communities. Over the next three years, this initiative will run with a local twist across Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Denmark, showcasing yoghurt as a versatile, nutritious, and sustainable food choice.
At the heart of this campaign are the local champions who embody the spirit of sustainable dairy farming and innovative culinary practices. The campaign shines a spotlight on two of Ireland’s favourite yoghurt producers – Glenilen Farm and Killowen Farm – alongside two well-known Dublin cafes – Póg and Brother Hubbard.
Valerie and Alan Kingston, the dynamic duo behind Glenilen Farm in Drimoleague, Co Cork, have been pioneering yoghurt production since 2002. Their farm-fresh products, which include natural and Kefir yoghurts, are a staple in supermarkets across Ireland. With a rich farming heritage, they are a testament to how traditional practices can be modernised to create products that are both delicious and sustainable. Meanwhile, in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Killowen Farm has been in the Dunne family for 200 years, spanning nine generations. Known for their single-origin dairy yoghurts and fruit-infused varieties, Killowen Farm has recently expanded into cream cheeses, all while maintaining their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Versatile and delicious
This campaign doesn’t just stop at the farm gate, it ventures into the kitchens of some of Dublin’s most popular cafes. Póg – with locations including Clontarf, Malahide and Tara Street – is known for its health-focused menu. Their protein pancakes, lavishly topped with thick yoghurt and fresh fruit, have become a must-try.
Similarly, Brother Hubbard, with spots in Ranelagh and Capel Street, uses yoghurt to add a rich, creamy texture to their famous Eggs Menemen, demonstrating the ingredient’s versatility in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Yoghurt isn’t just a tasty treat, it’s packed with essential nutrients. As Cathy Curran, head of communications at NDC, explains, “Yoghurt is a popular fermented milk product and a source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, vitamins B2 and B12 – an incredibly versatile product in the kitchen for cooking or just to have as a healthy snack.” Recent research* underscores the importance of yoghurt in the daily diet of Irish consumers, who prioritise nutritional value and taste. High-protein, flavoured, and low-fat yoghurts are particularly popular, reflecting a broader trend toward health-conscious eating. Interestingly, 71 per cent of Irish consumers identify gut health and digestion as the primary benefits of plain yoghurt, highlighting its role in overall wellbeing.
A campaign rooted in tradition and innovation
This campaign is more than just a celebration of yoghurt, it’s a celebration of Ireland’s rich dairy heritage and a forward-looking vision for sustainable food production. By working with local farmers, cafe owners and culinary experts such as Daniel Davey and Erica Drum, the NDC is ensuring that yoghurt remains a key part of our diets, not just for its health benefits but also for its role in supporting sustainable agriculture. Drum, a well-known TV chef and food stylist, sums it up perfectly: “I am delighted to be involved with this campaign, a big fan of Irish dairy and love to cook with it in all my recipes on TV and social media. Yoghurt offers a healthier alternative to cream when you want something rich and satisfying.”
As this campaign rolls out across Europe, it’s clear that yoghurt is much more than a simple snack – it’s a symbol of nourishment, tradition and sustainability. So, the next time you enjoy a creamy spoonful of yoghurt, remember that you’re not just treating yourself, you’re also supporting a movement that values health, community and the planet.
For more information on the campaign, visit the NDC’s website or follow them on Instagram
*Research carried out by Potloc – 1,000 respondents in each market, including Germany, Denmark, Ireland and Belgium, June 2024. Respondents were 18-45 year’s old and living in one of the eligible countries. Quotas on global sample and per country: gender, age, parenthood, gender of parents, age of parents and age of children
