Constellation entered the Irish market in 2023 through the acquisitions of VF Cold Stores and Colso Coldstorage; both firms have a long history in the market

Colso Coldstorage originated as Southern Fruit Distributors, founded by Jim Collins. This was a fruit and vegetable importing and wholesale business based out of Maylor’s Street in Cork City. Jim’s son, also Jim, moved the business out to its current location in Togher in the mid-1970s. The company continued to build warehouses and started storing milk powder for The Irish Dairy Board in the late 1970s. The first cold store/room was built in 1980.

The demand for cold storage within Ireland grew within the 1980s as the dairy and beef industries relied on the EU intervention system for their markets. The trend has changed since them and Colso adapted its multiple rooms many times over the years to facilitate changing customer requirements. 

VF Cold Stores opened in 1988, founded by Vincent Flanagan. He started his cold storage career in Monaghan but recognising the growth in the sector and demand for frozen foods Vincent entered the market in Dublin leasing a small frozen storage facility initially before developing VF Coldstores in Jamestown Industrial Park Dublin. The business started with a single customer and grew from there over the years, supporting the major food producers in Ireland whilst establishing long standing relationships still in place today.

Strong customer service and the proximity of both companies to key ports helped the firms to find early successes. After a period of consistent growth, both companies served major Irish dairy and meat producers as long-term customers. The continued demand and growth with customers saw the gradual expansion and investment in the Colso site, and the opening of a second cold store by VF in 2007.

Since the acquisition of both firms by Constellation in 2023, a strong pipeline of investment plans has been developed, which will enable the continued rapid growth of the business to meet our customers’ ambitions.