Two Laois firms strike gold at green awards

TWO Laois companies have been awarded Origin Green gold membership, in honour of their commitment to sustainability.

The Merry Mill in Vicarstown and Ballykilcavan Brewing Company, both based near Stradbally, were selected for the prestigious 2025 award by Bord Bia.

Announcing the awards on 13 October, Bord Bia said that gold membership recognises ‘exemplary sustainability performance’ in a given year by Origin Green member companies.

Run by Kevin Scully and his family, The Merry Mill produces 100% organic gluten-free oats, grown on their 99-acre farm. Ballykilcavan in Kylebeg has been in the Walsh-Kemmis family since 1639 and includes a craft brewery and visitor centre, with beers brewed using their own barley and water. Both local companies are regular award-winners.

Gold membership is awarded to Origin Green verified companies if they make significant improvements in their sustainability target areas, which can include raw material sourcing, water and energy efficiency, emissions, waste reductions, packaging and social sustainability.

The Gold members were formally acknowledged at Bord Bia’s annual Origin Green sustainability seminar on 7 October, which was addressed by Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This year’s 136 Gold Membership companies come from 26 counties across Ireland and represent sectors including dairy, meat, seafood and aquaculture, grocery, bakery and confectionary, beverages, and horticulture. Origin Green was established 13 years ago.

Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole said: ‘We see Origin Green member companies innovating their packaging, rethinking their energy use, collaborating with farmers and investing in circular economy models. 

'We see leadership in action, not just in boardrooms, but on factory floors, in fields, and across supply chains. And we see a shared commitment from Origin Green members to doing better, year after year.’