Carbery Group has been announced as the overall winner at the 2022 Cork Chamber Cork Company of the Year Awards which were presented at the business group's annual dinner at Páirc Ui Chaoimh.
The cheese maker was also recognised as the Cork International Company of the Year, alongside the winners in the three other individual categories: Green Rebel (Cork Emerging Company), Simply Blue (Cork SME), and Altada (Cork Large Company).
"Today’s winners are all highly deserving of this recognition and have displayed their ability to persist, adapt, innovate, and respond to ever-changing environments," said Paula Cogan, president of Cork Chamber.
"Each is a player in what we know is an outstanding business culture in our city region and have set themselves apart through their people-focus, their strategy, and their sustainable delivery.”
Jason Hawkins, CEO of Carbery Group, said the company was "honoured and humbled" to win the overall award, which he described as "an acknowledgement of the commitment and success of Carbery’s team, both in Cork and around the world.
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"Carbery’s origin was inspired by a vision to create a sustainable future for the farming communities of West Cork and has since led to the creation of an international food ingredients company now operating in communities all around the world.
"The growth of Carbery Group has been underpinned by the vision and support of our farmer shareholders, to whom this award also belongs.”
Carbery group reported revenue growth of 17% for its 2020-21 financial year, bringing in a total of €535.7m, with profits increasing 14% to €31.2m as the group processed 612m litres of milk and 630,000 tonnes of cheese at its Ballineen site.
The company also expanded internationally last year with its acquisition of Chicago-based flavours company Innova, while reducing emissions by 4.1% and water use by 17% as part of its efforts to become carbon-neutral.
In addition to Cogan, the Cork Company of the Year 2022 judging panel featured: John Higgins, chair of EY Ireland; Ronan Murray, vice president of Cork Chamber; Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber; Elaine Collins, Vodafone Ireland; Frank Walsh, EEVC; Thia Hennessy, Cork University Business School; Deirdre Waldron, Fuzion Communications; David Owens; Mark Whitaker, Johnson & Perrott Motor Group; Gerard O’ Donovan, MTU Cork; Hugh Smiddy, Tyndall National Institute.
Elaine Collins of Vodafone Ireland, who was also on the judging panel, said the mobile operator was "excited" to be part of the awards once again and to "showcase the very best of business talent and recognise the success of Cork-based companies.”
Cogan added: "It is an absolute pleasure to provide the platform of these awards for the last 24 years to recognise the success, innovation and ingenuity of businesses operating in Cork.
"The fabric of our business community is truly built on vision and determination. As our world faces multiple crises, we all have a role to play. We must apply that vision and determination to all challenges as we work together to protect our communities, our environment and our futures.
"I congratulate each of our winners today for the valuable contribution they are making to Cork, all the while helping to enhance Cork’s reputation as a great place for business.”
The awards were held in association with Vodafone Ireland and the Irish Examiner.
Photo: Carbery Group is announced as Cork Company of the Year 2022. Collecting the award is CEO, Jason Hawkins, with Cork Chamber President Paula Cogan, CEO Conor Healy and Elaine Collins, Key Account Director, Vodafone Ireland. (Pic: Darragh Kane)
