Revenue at Tipperary-based dairy co- operative Arrabawn rose 9.5 per cent to €180.1 million last year, reflecting the strong milk price during the year as well as the full-year contribution from Galway-based Dawn Dairies.

Dawn was acquired from Kerry Group in June 2010 in a deal estimated to be worth between €5 million and €6 million.

Pre-tax profit was €6.2 million, up from €1.9 million in 2010, which included an exceptional item of €4.6 million in relation to a share disposal. Net debt stood at €7.7 million, while shareholders’ funds amounted to €35.3 million – up from €30.6 million in 2010.

As well as its dairy business, the co-op is involved in the supply of feed and agri- services and operates a number of retail stores.

The co-op’s core dairy division accounted for about three-quarters of turnover.

Arrabawn processes and distributes more than 40 million litres of milk annually.