Kerry Group; A Growing Force that Began in Ireland by Lawrence Norris

On  this blog, I have been writing about all-things Irish from an Irish American persepective.  This post is about a block-buster Irish Multi-National called Kerry Group. Kerry Group is one of the biggest companies originating out of Ireland

In 1972,  a state owned company, a group of small farmer co-operatives and a US company formed what is now known as Kerry to manufacture milk protein (casein) to the United States. Almost immediately, the company acquired other companies and organizations. 

From primarily a dairy company, Kerry expanded into meat products, specialty food products, food ingredients, and made a strong push into its future with a research and development focus. It was becoming a leading Irish Multinational. Through more acquisitions, Kerry’s growth and development created a leading global food ingredients corporation. Building its Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Beloit, Wisconsin, Kerry allows customer collaboration to develop innovative products that can be delivered quickly and differentiate offerings in the marketplace. The Center has been a model for new facilities that Kerry has built across the globe. Kerry has been shifting naturally to a more holistic provider of Taste and Nutrition to the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets to help serve consumers who want to live better, feel better and eat better.

In recent months, Kerry Group has purchased Geneden a small company whose technology focuses on probiotics and who holds many patents. It is thought that technology and know-how from companies such as Geneden can be used across many components of the Kerry Group operations. 

“Kerry Group sponsors the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award in its 22nd year. The €15,000 Award recognizes Ireland’s leading literary talent. Kerry Group’s involvement with Concern’s RAIN project supports farmers and helps preserve vibrant and economically viable rural communities. Kerry Group sponsors Kerry Group’s Rás Mumhan, the first major Stage Race of the Irish Cycle Racing season. The race covers over 500 km . 

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The Brown and White

Lawrence Norris is the author of the The Brown and White, a fictionalized memoir that tells the story of Collin Callaghan's freshman year at a Chicago Catholic High School. Collin is a white boy who is living in turbulent times in a changing city. He clings to his neighborhood and his family as he heads out each day with his classmates on the Brown and White, the ancient school bus driven by free-spirited Willie. Memorable characters abound as this story unfolds. Collin's loveable family, especially his Irish Catholic policeman father and his Irish immigrant mother face life together.