The Irish Dairy Board has sold its Belgian cheese packaging business to Dutch dairy co-operative Royal Friesland Campina.

The Irish Dairy Board has operated the business, which represents its only interest in Belgium, since 1988.

Based in Genk in Belgium, the company has an annual turnover of €100 million and employs about 160 people.

The site packages mainly continental cheeses, which are then distributed to retailers across the Europe.

It also distributes Kerrygold butter. It is expected that the company will continue to support the distribution of Kerrygold.

No sale price was disclosed for the deal, which is due to close by July 31st, subject to regulatory approval.