Aurivo, the globally focused agri-business based in the West of Ireland, has this week elected its chairman and vice chairman for 2014/15. Tom Cunniffe from Barney in Breaffy, Castlebar was elected as the chairman of the co-operative and Michael Brennan was elected vice chairman.
Tom Cunniffe paid tribute to the outgoing chairman, Padraig Gibbons and vice chairman, Pat Duffy. He said: “The board owes a debt of gratitude to both Padraig and Pat who have served the co-operative so well over the years, in particular Padraig who has chaired Aurivo for 12 years. Under his leadership, Aurivo is now a globally focused agri-business positioned on the strongest of platforms for future growth which benefits all stakeholders.”
Continuing he said: “Padraig’s chairmanship of Aurivo has overseen a range of critical achievements, including: significant growth in sales and turnover to make Aurivo a €450m business with a significant national presence and global focus; the acquisition of the dairy and store business of Donegal Creameries and its subsequent integration into Aurivo; and the successful rebranding to Aurivo from Connacht Gold.”
Tom Cunniffe is a dairy farmer from Breaffy, Castlebar and has been a member of the Aurivo Board since June 1999. Michael Brennan is also a Dairy Farmer and is from Athleague, Roscommon.
Aurivo is one of Ireland’s leading multipurpose co-operatives in Ireland, with businesses in consumer foods, dairy ingredients, retail stores, animal feeds and livestock trading. Aurivo employs over 700 people and is a globally focused agri-business exporting to 46 countries in markets as diverse as Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Central America, Costa Rica, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. In 2013, the Co-op reported record sales of €454 million and an operating profit of €5.25 million.
