In Ireland, we love to get the most out of things but did you know that 90% of us don’t get enough Vitamin D from the food we eat*. Vitamin D is important in our diet as it helps us absorb calcium from food and drink which is important for maintaining bone and muscle health and also helps support our immune systems too.
However, a report from the Food Safety Authority Ireland shows that 94% of children, 94% of teenagers and 90% of adults on the island of Ireland have inadequate vitamin D intakes.
We all know by now that the sun is important for vitamin D production, and that regular exposure is the best way to get the recommended daily allowance. The World Health Organisation recommends 5-15 minutes of sun exposure, two to three times a week, during the summer months to ensure our bodies produce enough vitamin D. But what happens when we don’t get the summer sun or during the rest of the year when the sun is feeling much more shy?
The good news is, we can increase our vitamin D through clever diet choices. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are good, natural sources, along with red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods like breakfast cereals or milk.
Although it might feel like it, getting enough vitamin D into your diet doesn’t have to be a challenge; simply adding Avonmore Super Milk to your tea, coffee, smoothies, cereals and pasta sauces will make a big difference. You can also drink a glass of milk on its own to enjoy the full benefits.
As well as Vitamin D, Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with a number of essential nutrients, including Vitamin B, Vitamin E, extra Calcium and Folic Acid, making it a great choice for you & your family every day.
Available in 1.75L, 1L and 500ml sizes, Avonmore Super Milk is available nationally through all retailers & can also be ordered through your local milkman at www.mymilkman.ie.
Enjoy Avonmore Super Milk as part of a healthy and balanced diet including foods containing Vitamin D.
**FSAI (2023): Vitamin D: Scientific Recommendations for 5 to 65 Year Olds Living in Ireland. Vitamin D contributes to calcium absorption, maintenance of normal bones & normal function of the immune system.
Avonmore has launched Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk, with added fibre and vitamins, to their range of value-added milks.
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is high in fibre which is beneficial for digestive health, and is also enriched with vitamin C and vitamin D, to help support the immune system.
Fibre is important for helping to keep our digestive systems healthy and working at their best. In Ireland, it’s recommended that adults consume 24-35g of fibre per day, but research has shown that most adults don’t get enough fibre in their diets. In fact, 80% of adults don’t reach the daily recommended intake for fibre, with the average daily intake being around 19g*.
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is high in fibre, containing a type of fibre called chicory root, which helps support gut health**. Each 250ml glass contains 6g of fibre and it’s recommended that adults consume two 250ml glasses per day in order to get the full benefit of chicory root fibre, and to bridge the gap in their fibre intake. Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is also enriched with vitamin C and vitamin D to support the normal function of the immune system.
This low fat, unflavoured milk has a smooth consistency and can be enjoyed in cereal or porridge, smoothies, hot drinks or simply on its own – making it an easy and convenient way to increase your daily fibre intake.
Avonmore Fibre Plus Milk is available in a 1 litre carton in retailers nationwide.
National Adult Nutrition Survey, IUNA 2011 *Chicory root fibre contributes to normal bowel function by increasing bowel movement frequency. Enjoy a variety of fibre sources as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Don’t forget the cream this Christmas! Avonmore’s festive cream range – already whipped and ready to serve – is the perfect accompaniment for all your tasty Christmas treats.
Our limited edition flavours include Avonmore Caramel Whipped Cream, Baileys Whipped Cream or Avonmore Brandy Whipped Cream. These delicious treats are already whipped and ready to serve from the fridge, nothing tops Avonmore Cream at Christmas.
For a fabulously festive array of Christmas dishes, just check out Cook with Avonmore | Avonmore which features a wide selection of traditional starters, mains and desserts as well as treats, snacks and festive drinks.
Here’s some festive inspiration to get you started:
Baileys Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
2 cups Avonmore Milk
4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp white sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
Avonmore Baileys Whipped Cream
Directions
Heat milk in a tall saucepan over medium-high heat. When the milk starts to froth, turn down the heat to medium-low.
Add cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and salt to the saucepan. Use a whisk to mix contents until thoroughly combined.
Poor into a serving mug. Top with Avonmore Baileys Whipped Cream and cocoa powder.
Following over a year of intensive planning, Tirlán, producers of the Avonmore brand, has pledged to achieve a 30% absolute reduction in carbon emissions from its processing sites by 2030 and will work with their dairy farmers towards a similar cut in carbon intensity from milk production. The ambitious targets are laid out in a comprehensive sustainability strategy launched today, called ‘Living Proof’.
The company and its over 2,000 employees will continue to prioritise actions in air and water quality, animal health and welfare, biodiversity, packaging, production and other areas.
The company has also signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to show its clear and unambiguous commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by implementing the best science and technology.
The company’s overall ambition is to reach Net Zero Carbon by no later than 2050, in line with the Irish Government’s commitment in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill and shows the commitment of the farming community and the company to make a real difference to achieving ambitious targets set out in the plans.
Following over a year of detailed analysis and planning, the Board of Tirlán has adopted a comprehensive, company-wide ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy. It sets out clear targets to 2030 and beyond for each of five key priority areas, including:
carbon reduction,
regenerative agriculture,
natural nutrition,
the circular economy and
growing together.
It contains long-term, science-based targets, goals and promises, including achieving carbon neutral status for six of its main production sites. The sustainability strategy also focuses on soil health and nutrition; further improving the nutritional quality of its product portfolio as well as reducing and recycling packaging and limiting waste. Promoting diversity and inclusion in a fair, safe and progressive working environment is also laid out in the strategy which will guide the company in the coming years.
Among the other specific targets are that:
100% of packaging on consumer-facing brands is recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025;
100% of its portfolio is compliant with the GI Nutritional Standards by 2025;
100% of inputs for food are responsibly sourced by 2030;
100% of Tirlán farms have ‘A Greener World Animal Welfare Approved Standards’ certification, a nutrient management plan, soil testing and water quality action plans for farms in Priority Areas for Action by 2025;
50:50 female:male representation in leadership roles will be achieved by 2030.
Speaking as the Living Proof sustainability strategy was unveiled, Tirlán Ireland CEO Jim Bergin said:
“Irish farmers are among the best in the world and are showing their determination to adapt to the requirement for science-based climate action. Farm families are proud custodians of the rural environment, and we will support our farmers in addressing challenges and building on Ireland’s great natural credentials. Farmers have proven their willingness to adapt and change many times.”
Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer François Morgan said Tirlán Ireland had worked closely with The Carbon Trust and Forum for the Future for over a year on Living Proof.
“Over the years Tirlán has shown the necessary sustainability leadership required to future proof Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, the agri-food sector. We’ve signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are committed to delivering on our promises.
“We are showing through a variety of initiatives that vibrant communities can be environmentally and economically sustainable at the same time. For ‘Living Proof’ to deliver it is critical that our farmers, our suppliers, our customers, employees and our communities work together.
“Through a strong farm sustainability roadmap, improved energy efficiency, technology developments, migration to renewable energy sources, the delivery of high quality nutritious products with a low impact on the environment and a range of science-based and targeted initiatives, everyone at Tirlán is committed to ensuring that we will deliver a healthier future for all,” he said.
Chairman, John Murphy, said:
“From humble beginnings in the cooperative movement, Tirlán has become a global name in food and nutrition. We work closely with our 6,000 farm family suppliers and pride ourselves in ensuring that producing exceptional quality food and ingredients is at the heart of everything we do. This sustainability strategy will be central to maintaining Glanbia’s competitive edge in a post-Brexit landscape and places our company and our farmers at the cutting edge of sustainable farming.”
Commenting on the strategy, James Payne, Associate Director from international non-profit, Forum for the Future, said:
“The 2020s need to be the ‘decade of delivery’ on the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular urgency around climate, nature, and delivering socially just transitions. In working with Tirlán to identify global sustainability best practice and shaping a future-fit strategy to meet the challenges of the decade ahead, I was struck by how well positioned Tirlán is to successfully address these opportunities. From being a farmer-owned cooperative to its unusual breadth of involvement with its value chain from feed and farm inputs to its farmers to customers and consumers, the business is very well placed to deliver the deeper change and disruptive innovation needed to tackle the key sustainability issues it faces.“
The initiative builds on Tirlán’s growing sustainability culture and credentials across the business and in the community. These include:
Being a founding partner in Bord Bia’s National Sustainability Origin Green Programme and being awarded Gold Membership of the organisation.
GI’s Operation PolliNation and ongoing Operation Biodiversity initiatives which protect Ireland’s bee and wildlife population, restore hedgerows and plant 100,000 trees nation-wide. 81,000 units have been planted in the first five months of the programme.
Project Paperless, a GI programme which champions online statements and billing.
Growing its portfolio of sustainable, plant-based products and ingredients, including recent innovations in oat flour.
Participation in a number of European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects on biodiversity, including the Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairy Environment (BRIDE) project.
Animal health and welfare is a central part of Tirlán’s outdoor, grass-based milk production system which has an exemplary focus on sustainability, quality and hygiene at its core.
Working with farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by extending the grazing season through efficient nutrient use, getting the most out of slurry spreading and more.
Leading the formation of Dairy Sustainability Ireland and the rollout of the Agriculture Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) which addresses water quality challenges.
Partnering with Teagasc on the Signpost Programme–Farmers for Climate Action which promotes sustainable, profitable and safe dairy farm systems.
Partnering with SSE Airtricity and Active 8 Solar Energies to provide the solar pV service, FarmGen, which displaces fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and energy bills on family farms.
Being committed to progressing sustainability initiatives that implement the science of Teagasc’s climate and ammonia objectives.
GI’s Twenty20 Beef Club partnership with Kepak which is improving the economic, environmental and social sustainability of calf to beef production for both dairy and beef farmers.
Vitamin D is everywhere at the moment – you may have read some articles recently about how good it is for you. While we mainly hear about its role in bone health it plays a key role in supporting the normal functioning of the immune system too which is very important during these worrying times.
Avonmore Super Milk is a rich source of Vitamin D. Just one 250ml glass is fortified with 5 micrograms of Vitamin D – that’s 100% of the EU recommended daily intake of Vitamin D. Included as part of a healthy balanced diet, Avonmore Super Milk is a great choice for you and your growing family.
What do we need vitamin D for?
Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb more calcium from the food and drink we consume. This is important for the development of healthy bones and teeth.
Vitamin D also has an established key role in supporting the functioning of the immune system and it may help improve resistance against certain diseases.
Bone growth is greatest in childhood and teenage years when there are growth spurts – approximately 90% of bone strength is achieved by the age of 18.
In adulthood, we naturally begin to lose more calcium from our bones than we can replace and that means we begin to lose bone strength. So the more bone strength we can develop during childhood and adolescence the less likely it is that bones will become fragile in later life.
Did you know?
1in 8 adults aged 55+ are deficient in Vitamin D* with 94% of primary school children not meeting the daily recommended levels.
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies can make it from the sun. When sunlight hits our skin, the ultra-violet (UVB) sunrays are used to make Vitamin D.
From October to March, in countries at a latitude greater than 42° North, little or no vitamin D can be produced by the body due to the quality and quantity of sunlight – Ireland’s latitude is 51-55° North.
Older Adults (70 years +) are also at greater risk of Vitamin D deficiency for a number of reasons including their ability to synthesise Vitamin D from sunlight is debilitated.** Due to recent government recommendations, this age cohort may now lack the opportunity for sun exposure and therefore the importance of consuming dietary sources of Vitamin D (see table below) is extremely important to ensure sufficient levels.
Food Sources of Vitamin D
Food
Serving Size
Amount of Vitamin D
Mackerel
200 grams
18μg
Salmon
170 grams
13.6μg
Avonmore Super Milk
250ml glass
5μg
Egg (vitamin D is found in yolk)
1 average
1.6μg
Fortified Cereals*
30g
1.3 μg
Table source: McCance and Widdowson’s. The Composition of Foods. Seventh Summary Edition. FSA. Food Portion Sizes. Third Edition. *Manufacturer Information, varies by brand.
Article sources:
* Vitamin D deficiency in Ireland – implications for COVID-19. Results from the Irish Longitudinal Study (TILDA); April 2020. IUNA, National Adult Nutrition Survey 2011 & National Childhood Nutrition Survey 2019.
** Gallagher et al. Vitamin D and Aging. Endocrinal Metab Clin North Am. 2013 Jun; 42(2): 319-332. Avonmore Super Milk contains 5ug of Vitamin D per 250ml glass, based on EU Reference intake for Vitamin D of 5µg’
To celebrate the arrival of summer, we are looking for your very best Avonmore Cream & berry recipes.
From Strawberries and cream to berry crumbles we want to celebrate the great taste of summer berries topped with delicious Avonmore Cream.
To be in with a chance of winning one of three One4All €50 Vouchers, send us your delicious creations on social media and don’t forget to get your little ones involved in creating tasty treats.
T’s and C’s below:
Competition runs from April 29th until May 12th. Winners will be announced on the 14th of May and judge’s decision is final. Tips and images received from entrants may be used in CWA social posts and other marketing material. Best of luck and happy baking
