Courts / Donegal / Report

Lidl sues IFA over milk allegations

Summary

Lidl Ireland and Lidl Ireland Gmbh, acting as applicants, brought defamation proceedings against the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), its President Tim Cullinan, and Vice-President Brian Rushe. The applicants alleged that the IFA published media advertisements and statements claiming Lidl's own-brand milk is not Irish and that the chain misled customers. Lidl contended these allegations were untrue and defamatory, seeking an injunction under Section 33 of the 2009 Defamation Act to prohibit further publication of such claims pending the full dispute. The applicants stated they source their 1-litre milk from Arrabawn in County Donegal and their 2 and 3-litre cartons from Strathroy in Northern Ireland, which sources milk in Ireland. They rejected accusations of creating a "fake dairy" or "phantom farm," clarifying that "Coolree Creamery" is a registered trademark rather than a physical creamery. Lidl also denied engaging in branding strategies to drive down prices paid to farmers, noting that farmers are paid via milk processors. The matter came before Mr Justice Senan Allen, where Lidl sought ex-parte permission to serve short notice on the defendants. The judge adjourned the action to a date in April, following the court's Easter vacation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Lidl sues IFA over milk allegations. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2021-03-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report