© Arla
Arla Foods Ingredients has doubled its production capacity for the milk protein alpha-lactalbumin in a bid to meet growing demand for infant formula products.
The company has added a second production line at its Denmark Protein facility in Jutland, where it currently produces alpha-lactalbumin under the Lacprodan Alpha-10 brand. The investment has increased output of the ingredient by 100%.
Alpha-lactalbumin is the dominant protein in human milk, but is also found naturally in cows’ milk. Incorporating it into infant formula enables manufacturers to create products that more closely resemble breast milk, Arla said.
Arla Foods Ingredients head of paediatric Anne Staudt Kvistgaard said: “Alpha-lactalbumin is very rich in essential amino acids. This means that protein levels in infant formulas can be optimised in regards to protein concentration and composition while maintaining compliance with the amino acid levels set by regulations.
“Human milk will always be the gold-standard for infants but commercial production of alpha-lactalbumin means babies fed with formula can benefit from similar levels of protein composition. In recognition of this, worldwide demand for alpha-lactalbumin is growing fast – especially in China – and we’re delighted that this increase in our production capacity will help to secure further supplies for our customers in line with our ‘quality starts here’ commitments.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024