In March, the Swiss-based multinational food giant Nestlé said it will invest over 25 million euros ($28.1 million) to expand its research and development center in Askeaton, Ireland. The enhanced facility will be located at Nestlé`s existing plant in the city,  which produces a range of premium powdered milk-based products for infants, young children and mothers for export to world markets.

The R&D center will focus on global product innovation for Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition infant and maternal nutrition business. It is anticipated to open in late 2017. The project investment is being supported by Enterprise Ireland. Nestlé has 40 R&D centers worldwide employing more than 5,000 people.

Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) is to seek planning permission to expand its Wexford cheese plant. The proposed 35-million-euros investment ($39.4 million) is supported by Enterprise Ireland and will double peak milk processing capacity at the plant.

Glanbia acquired Wexford Creamery in May 2014. During 2015, the plant at Rocklands produced almost 20,000 tons of Cheddar cheese, as well as a valuable stream of high-quality whey for further processing at GII’s facility in Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. The whey is used by the sports nutrition sector, which is one of Glanbia’s key market platforms.

The company also said it is launching Wexford branded cheese into the Middle Eastern region with a range of Irish Cheddars available in 2.5- and 5-kilogram packages into the hotel, restaurant, catering, foodservice and retail deli sectors.