Ornua appoints Patrick Blake as Managing Director for UK & Europe — full details
Who is Patrick Blake?
- Currently Executive Director for Ireland, Europe & Strategic Sourcing at Ornua (Agriland)
- Previously Managing Director of Ornua Foods International (Agriland)
- Joined Ornua in 2013 (Muck Rack)
- Has held senior roles across finance, audit, and general management in the US, Germany, Ireland and other markets (Agriland)
The company described him as a leader with a “wealth of experience” across its global operations. (Muck Rack)
What his new role involves
Blake will lead the full UK & Europe consumer foods business, including:
Brand & commercial growth
- Expansion of Kerrygold butter across UK & European markets (Agriland)
- Development of Pilgrims Choice cheddar business (Agriland)
- Oversight of private-label retail supply in the UK (Agriland)
Market leadership
- Supporting Kerrygold performance in Ireland and Europe (Agriland)
- Leading regional teams and retail partnerships (Agriland)
Why the appointment matters
- The UK is one of Ornua’s most important markets for branded dairy products
- Kerrygold is among the fastest-growing major butter brands in the UK (Agriland)
- The move follows the departure of previous MD Simon Ball (Agriland)
Executives say Blake’s deep knowledge of the co-operative and international experience position him to accelerate growth in competitive European dairy markets. (Agriland)
About Ornua
- Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products (ESM Magazine)
- Global owner of brands including Kerrygold (ESM Magazine)
- Focused on value-added butter, cheese and retail dairy products
In short: The promotion keeps leadership internal and signals a strategy centered on scaling flagship dairy brands across Euro
Ornua appoints Patrick Blake as Managing Director for UK & Europe — case studies & industry comments
The promotion is more than a leadership change — it reflects Ornua’s strategy of expanding branded dairy (especially Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice) across competitive European retail markets. Below are comparable internal and industry case studies showing what typically follows this type of appointment, plus commentary from sector analysts.
1) Internal Brand Growth Case Studies
Kerrygold international expansion
What happened previously
- Became one of the fastest-growing premium butter brands in multiple European markets
- Positioned around grass-fed provenance and Irish dairy origin
- Focused on premium shelf placement and supermarket partnerships
Result
- Growth driven by premiumisation rather than price competition
- Higher margins compared with commodity butter
Why Blake matters
He previously oversaw sourcing and international markets — meaning the same supply-chain-plus-branding model can now be applied across UK & EU simultaneously rather than region-by-region.
Pilgrims Choice retail repositioning
What worked
- Shift from price-led cheddar to flavour-led differentiation
- Packaging refresh and segmentation (mature, extra mature, snacking formats)
- Targeted supermarket promotions rather than mass discounting
Outcome
- Stronger brand identity in a crowded UK cheese category
- Retailer loyalty through category value growth instead of price wars
Leadership implication
Blake’s commercial background suggests continued movement toward value-added dairy instead of commodity cheese volumes.
2) Comparable Industry Case Studies
Arla Foods — brand-led dairy strategy
Approach
- Invested in premium butter and protein dairy
- Reduced reliance on bulk milk commodities
Impact
- Higher profit resilience during milk price volatility
Relevance to Ornua
The same cooperative structure: farmer-owned companies benefit most from strong branded margins.
Lactalis — local brand + global distribution
Approach
- Acquire or scale regional dairy brands
- Keep local identity while expanding internationally
Impact
- Strong penetration in European retail shelves
Implication
Ornua’s leadership change signals a similar expansion logic — protect Irish identity while widening footprint.
3) Strategic Commentary
Premium dairy is replacing commodity dairy
Retailers increasingly prioritise margin per shelf metre rather than cheapest product.
Meaning:
Ornua will likely invest more in brand storytelling, packaging and provenance marketing.
Supply chain knowledge is now a leadership advantage
Because dairy margins fluctuate with milk prices, leaders with sourcing experience can stabilise profitability.
Blake’s background: sourcing + international markets → better pricing control.
UK & EU consolidation
Food producers are reorganising into regional hubs rather than country-by-country management.
Implication:
The combined UK & Europe role suggests unified strategy, not separate market tactics.
4) Expected Business Effects
| Area | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Retail | More premium shelf placement |
| Marketing | Provenance & grass-fed messaging |
| Products | Value-added formats (spreadables, snacking cheese) |
| Supply chain | Tighter cost control |
| Expansion | Faster EU rollout of successful UK products |
Bottom line
The appointment is a continuity strategy rather than a reset.
Instead of changing direction, Ornua is reinforcing a proven model:
Build premium dairy brands → expand internationally → reduce reliance on commodity milk prices
Industry precedent suggests this typically leads to stronger margins, steadier retailer partnerships, and gradual European brand scaling rather than rapid acquisition-led growth.
pe while strengthening UK retail partnerships.