Dawn Meats co-founder Peter Queally has died aged 83.
Dawn Meats is the supplier of choice to a range of leading supermarket, food service and restaurant businesses, exporting to more than 50 countries.
As a family-owned business Dawn Meats remains true to its farming heritage through the close relationships it has forged with over 30,000 family farms from whom it directly sources grass-fed cattle and lamb for processing at its 10 Irish and 12 UK sites.
Dawn Meats was established in Co. Waterford, Ireland in 1980, and has grown to a business with over €2 billion in annual revenue.
The company works with some of the world’s leading food companies who are attracted by a commitment to sustainability and quality.
Dawn Meats took full control of Dunbia in July 2020, following the successful joint venture that had been established in May 2017.
The combined businesses in the UK and Ireland process approximately one million cattle and three million sheep annually.
Dawn Meats Statement
In a statement Dawn Meats, said, 'Dawn Meats deeply regrets the loss of Peter Queally, a co-founder of the company. On behalf of everyone at Dawn Meats, we wish to offer our sincere condolences to Peter’s wife Eileen, his children and all the Queally family.
Along with his brother John and business partner Dan Browne, Peter had the vision to set up Dawn Meats in 1980 and played a leading role in developing the business into a major employer and one of the largest beef and lamb companies in Europe.
Peter was a member of the board of Dawn Meats for over four decades and his leadership, expertise, drive and support will be sorely missed by all his colleagues.'
Condolences
In response to the news regarding the passing of the Waterford businessman, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy has extended his condolences, expressing, "Peter Queally was an innovative leader within the Irish food sector.
"Alongside his brother John and Dan Browne, he built Dawn Meats into one of the most successful meat processing companies in Europe, employing over 8,000 staff in 12 countries. Peter exhibited an exceptional dedication to ethical and environmentally conscious beef production through his leadership.
"He consistently championed Irish business and his absence will be deeply felt, not only within the food sector but also the wider business community.
Queally, is survived by his wife Eileen and children Liam, Marie-Louise, Ivor, Aisling, Barbara, Irene, Cathal and Rebecca and his grandchildren.
"My thoughts are with his wife Eileen, his children and the wider Queally family at this sad time," McCoy concluded.
Read More: Dawn Meats To Invest €100m In Net-Zero Climate Commitment
