The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Ingredients supplier Milk Specialties Global (MSG) has doubled its lactose production capacity following an investment of approximately $20 million into the expansion of its facility in Visalia, California. The company made the decision to increase the lactose production capacity at its Visalia facility in order to meet increased demand for dairy ingredients in Asia and other oversea markets. In addition to boosting lactose capacity, the total $20 million investment went towards operational efficiencies to improve the facility’s carbon footprint. According to MSG, lactose is in high demand for applications in bakery, confectionery, dairy and other prepacked foods and beverages. “We always strive to make the best products on the market and deliver better value to our customers. The project we just completed at our Visalia facility furthers our ability to deliver a high-quality product at a good value,” said Milk Specialties Global CEO, David Lenzmeier. Lactose is a co-product of the dairy protein concentration process and is the largest component in milk. MSG produces lactose for a wide variety of organic and conventional specifications. The company first began producing milk protein concentrate at its Visalia facility in 2012 and permanently acquired the facility in 2019. The facility also produces other milk proteins and micellar casein. MSG manufactures nutritional ingredients – including whey protein concentrates, milk protein isolates, lactose and permeate – for the health and wellness, performance nutritional and functional food industries. The company operates facilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois and California.