Dairy major FrieslandCampina on Tuesday said it plans to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein, a US producer of whey protein isolates in the US.
Wisconsin Whey Protein will become part of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in proteins and prebiotics. The acquisition will significantly increase its total whey protein capacity, helping to meet rising global demand for high-quality protein ingredients.
The acquisition will also enable the company to scale and extend its market-leading position in Europe and Asia into the North American market.
Wisconsin Whey Protein’s facilities, located in the heart of the US’ dairy region, are currently being expanded which will more than double its whey protein isolate capacity. The company will be integrated into the FrieslandCampina Ingredients business group, reinforcing its ability to serve customers across the performance, active and medical nutrition market segments.
“By joining forces with Wisconsin Whey Protein, a respected producer of high-quality whey isolates with a strong focus on production and innovation, we bring together expanded capacity in the United States with our deep expertise in protein technology, research and application development,” Anne Peter Lindeboom, president of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said.
“The acquisition will enable us to scale our proven successes in high-end protein offerings to customers in the US and worldwide. All in the pursuit of providing nutritional solutions that meet both consumer preferences and needs, to help people get the most out of life, always.”
Wisconsin Whey Protein’s founder and chief executive K Kachadurian added: “There’s a natural fit between Wisconsin Whey Protein’s entrepreneurial spirit and FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ global growth ambition. I’m proud that our team will become part of such a purpose-driven company – one making a meaningful impact.”
With the intended acquisition, FrieslandCampina, whose brands include Yazoo and Chocomel, will also enter into a collaboration with Stainless Technologies, a sister company of Wisconsin Whey Protein that builds state-of-the-art process technology solutions.
Strategic context
Protein supplementation has become a mainstream component in nutritional food and beverages. Today, 71 per cent of consumers actively prioritise protein intake – a notable increase from 59 per cent in 2022 and 67 per cent in 2023 [IFIC, Food and health survey, 2024].
This has been driven by a rise in consumers viewing higher protein diets as good for their general health, increased demand for high-protein diets for fitness and weight management, and ongoing product innovation. In addition, protein quality is becoming just as important as quantity. Consumers are becoming more aware about the benefits of complete proteins (containing all nine essential amino acids) and the benefits of specific amino acids.
FrieslandCampina said this plea for high-quality protein presents an opportunity to provide tailored solutions for every moment of the day, and for every market. It is expected the whey protein market will grow at 6.6 per cent per annum until 2030.
The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. Financial details were not disclosed.