Skip to main content
Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Narrow down your searches to:

  • All
  • Food is Living
  • Industry
  • Farmers & Growers

Gold Member Case Study - Rafferty's Ham

Rafferty's Ham, founded in 1980 in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, specialises in manufacturing premium cooked Irish ham. The company is known for its commitment to quality and operates within Ireland’s grocery and meat sectors.

Selection of vegetables on table
Gold Member

Sustainability Achievements

In 2024, Rafferty's Ham reduced waste intensity and cut food waste in ham production, surpassing its milestone targets by 8.7% and 27.3% respectively.

  • Targets Reported
  • Exemplary Targets
  • Awarded Gold Membership

In 2024, Rafferty's Ham made measurable progress in reducing waste intensity across its operations. Total waste generated per kilogram of product output decreased from 0.07 kg/kg in 2023 to 0.063 kg/kg, exceeding the milestone target by 8.7%. This achievement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to improving resource efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

A key focus of the company’s waste strategy has been employee engagement. In 2024, Rafferty's Ham delivered targeted awareness training on its waste policy and best practices for waste segregation. These sessions helped embed a culture of sustainability across the workforce, ensuring that waste reduction is a shared responsibility at every level of the organisation.

Food waste from sliced ham production, a core product for the company, also saw a notable decline. Per unit output, food waste reduced from 0.011 kg/kg in 2023 to 0.008 kg/kg in 2024, surpassing the milestone target by 27.3%. This reduction was achieved through improved production planning and more efficient handling practices on the factory floor.

Innovation also played a role in waste reduction. In 2024, Rafferty's Ham introduced a new gammon steak product that utilises excess ham from production. This initiative not only expanded the company’s product range but also contributed directly to waste diversion by repurposing surplus material that might otherwise have been discarded.

 

Case Studies

Explore Origin Green Gold Members

  • Gold Member

    Clonakilty Distillery - Gold Member

    Clonakilty Distillery Ltd, founded in 2016 in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, is a premium producer of Irish whiskey, gin, and vodka. The company supplies domestic and international markets and is recognised for its coastal maturation process and commitment to sustainability in craft spirit production.

    View Story
  • Gold Member

    Blenders - Gold Member

    Blenders is a family-owned Irish company crafting world-class sauces since 1989. Blenders brings innovation, quality, and sustainability together at its state-of-the-art Tallaght facility, serving foodservice, retail, and manufacturing sectors. The result? Bold, flavour-packed, tailored sauces that delight customers across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

    View Story
  • Gold Member

    Newgrange Gold - Gold Member

    Newgrange Gold, founded in 2010 by John Rogers in Slane, Co. Meath, is now led by his son Jack. The company produces premium rapeseed and camelina oils and pioneered Wild Flax Camelina oil for the culinary market.

    View Story