Earlier this year the Society was delighted to welcome Sir Ian Huddleston of the Clandeboye Estate as our newest RUAS corporate member. For many of our members, this distinguished brand is instantly recognisable and synonymous with heritage, awards and high standards but we thought this the perfect time to tell you a little more about their company and where they are today.
The Clandeboye Estate is an historical rural estate near Bangor, Co Down with roots going back to the 16th century - although the current landscaping and layout dates to the late 19th century and is attributed to the first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava. With over 800 acres of deciduous trees, it boasts one of the largest woodland habits of any estate in Northern Ireland – and possibly Ireland.
Today it is run as a modern commercial estate with a prize-winning dairy herd comprised of both Jersey and Holstein cows that produce high quality milk exclusively for Clandeboye Yoghurt. It aims to be a leader in the development of sustainable agriculture.
Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt is a premium, award-winning dairy brand renowned for its rich, creamy texture and natural flavour. The yoghurt is crafted using traditional methods and has received multiple awards in recognition of its outstanding quality and taste, earning a strong reputation across the UK and Ireland. The production facility holds a prestigious AA BRC Accreditation. It is now sold throughout those markets through major retailers including Tesco, Aldi and M&S.
The Estate prides itself on its sustainability credentials. The onsite yoghurt factory and indeed the entire estate, including the popular Events venue in Clandeboye Courtyard, is powered & heated by the Estate’s own anaerobic digester which is fed from grass and crops which are home-produced over 340 acres.
The estate and farm are managed by Mark Adams, ensuring high standards in animal welfare, sustainability, and milk quality. The yoghurt business is led by a dedicated team: Ildiko Hamilton (Technical Director), Ian McClatchey (Operations Director), and Patrick Black (Commercial Director).
In line with the late Lady Dufferin’s vision the Estate supports environmental charities that operate within its walls and is the local base of both the Woodland Trust and the NI Forest School Association. It also maintains the historic fabric of the listed structures that form an integral part of the history of the Estate – Clandeboye House and grounds and the iconic Helen’s Tower. The Estate encourages and supports the arts through events such as the annual Camerata Festival together with the local Bangor literary festival. It also is instrumental in furthering research into the history of both the Estate and the Blackwood Family in the context of a modern 21st century setting.
With a deep local heritage, a passionate team, and a commitment to sustainability, Clandeboye Estate continues to grow as a leader in the premium dairy sector and in the cultural and educational life of the wider North Down area and beyond.
To find out more about Clandeboye Estate or to get in touch with the team, please use the contact details below.
Phone: 028 9181 5194
Email: info@clandeboyeyoghurt.com
