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FrieslandCampina Ingredients has completed a major investment at its Borculo facility in the Netherlands, doubling production capacity for both whey protein isolate (WPI) and milk fat global membrane (MFGM), as it looks to capitalise on global demand for high-protein ingredients.
First announced in 2023, the expanded site is now fully operational and will enable the company to scale supply across key nutrition segments, including early life, performance, active and medical nutrition.
The investment comes as demand for protein continues to grow worldwide, with the whey category forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% through 2030.
Increased consumer awareness of complete proteins’ benefits – from muscle maintenance and weight management to healthy ageing – is driving brands to seek ingredients that deliver both strong nutrition credentials and formulation flexibility, and WPI has become a cornerstone ingredient across the sports nutrition and beyond.
In response to this demand, the Borculo expansion strengthens FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ ability to supply high-quality WPI, which is derived from Dutch-style cheese and carefully processed to deliver a clean, neutral taste – reinforcing its long-standing leadership in premium dairy proteins.
Alongside WPI, the expansion significantly increases output of MFGM, a high-value whey-derived ingredient rich in proteins, lipids and bioactive compounds. Widely used in early life nutrition, MFGM is associated with benefits for brain development, immune support and, increasingly, gut health, making it an attractive option for brands developing advanced nutritional products.
The Borculo facility incorporates advanced filtration technologies designed to preserve the bio-functionality of whey, ensuring both WPI and MFGM meet stringent quality and performance standards. The site also supports the company’s sustainability ambitions, with initiatives in place to reduce CO₂ emissions in line with broader 2030 climate targets.
Anne Peter Lindeboom, president of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said: "The commissioning of our expanded Borculo facility marks an important milestone in our strategy to lead the global protein market and meet the world’s growing demand".
"With over a century of expertise in dairy proteins, we are blending deep scientific knowledge with cutting-edge processing technology to deliver high-quality ingredients that drive innovation across all nutrition markets."
The investment follows the company’s recent acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein in North America and reflects a broader strategy to strengthen its global production footprint and technical capabilities.
