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Royal FrieslandCampina has announced its intention to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein, a well-regarded producer of whey protein isolates based in the US.

This acquisition is set to enhance FrieslandCampina Ingredients' capacity and capabilities in a rapidly growing segment of the food and beverage industry.

Wisconsin Whey Protein will be integrated into FrieslandCampina Ingredients, which is recognised as a leader in proteins and prebiotics. The acquisition is expected to significantly increase FrieslandCampina’s total whey protein capacity, allowing the company to better meet the surging global demand for high-quality protein ingredients.

This expansion is particularly aimed at extending FrieslandCampina's market leadership from Europe and Asia into the North American landscape.

Wisconsin Whey Protein operates state-of-the-art facilities located in the heart of the US dairy region, which are currently undergoing expansion to more than double their whey protein isolate capacity. This will position FrieslandCampina Ingredients to serve a diverse range of market segments, including performance, active and medical nutrition.

Anne Peter Lindeboom, president of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said: “By joining forces with Wisconsin Whey Protein, we bring together expanded capacity in the United States with our deep expertise in protein technology, research, and application development. This acquisition will enable us to scale our proven successes in high-end protein offerings to customers in the US and worldwide.”

K Kachadurian, CEO of Wisconsin Whey Protein, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of his company and its alignment with FrieslandCampina's global growth ambitions. He expressed pride in joining a purpose-driven organisation that aims to make a meaningful impact in the nutrition sector.

The acquisition comes at a time when protein supplementation is becoming increasingly mainstream in nutritional food and beverages. Recent consumer surveys indicate that 71% of individuals actively prioritise protein intake – up from 59% in 2022.

This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with higher protein diets, particularly for fitness and weight management.

As consumers become more discerning about protein quality, the demand for complete proteins – those containing all nine essential amino acid – continues to rise. The whey protein market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.6% until 2030, presenting significant opportunities for companies that can deliver tailored, high-quality protein solutions.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.