FrieslandCampina Ingredients sharpens US strategy with active nutrition milk protein partnership

23 Feb 2021 --- Cayuga Milk Ingredients will produce FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Refit milk proteins MPI 90 and MPC 85 in the US, targeting the performance and active nutrition spaces.

The partnership further brings the two farmer-controlled cooperatives together to offer US consumers a local source of milk proteins.

“This perfectly fits the North American strategy to be the specialist in the ready-to-drink, healthy snacking and compacting solutions in the performance and active nutrition segments,” Uwe Schnell, managing director North America from FrieslandCampina Ingredients, tells NutritionInsight.

Nutrition “moments”
“People want to know exactly what they’re consuming and how nutrition can benefit them and enhance their lifestyles. Consumer needs for milk protein solutions are not only growing, but also diversifying,” Schnell details. 

The “moments” where nutritional support is needed range from pre-exercise boosts to night-time recovery solutions, Schnell continues. Applications vary from powders to bars, shakes to shots.

“We’re excited to make it easier now for our US customers to meet the evolving needs of these smart shoppers, with a fresh local solution that lives right at home.”

“Consumer needs for milk protein solutions are not only growing, but also diversifying,” says Schnell.Bringing dairy to the sports arena
Refit MPI 90 is a milk protein isolate with 90 percent protein characterized by a creamy taste and light milky aroma. 

Containing all essential amino acids, it has high heat stability and solubility for easy formulation.

Its counterpart Refit MPC 85 is a milk protein concentrate prepared from fresh skim milk by an ultrafiltration process. 

It is used in a wide range of food applications, such as nutritional bars, high-protein ready-to-drink and powdered beverages.

Both Refit milk proteins produced in the partnership are available for the US market only. 

High protein in demand
Dairy manufacturers continue to innovate their products to fit within these high-protein and active lifestyle demands, bridging the gap between traditional dairy and sports nutrition.

With an average annual growth of 21 percent globally between 2015 and 2019, Innova Market Insights data reports Sports Nutrition is the fastest-growing category of launches containing dairy proteins. 

Tapping into this market, the Dutch dairy company unveiled a protein gel sports concept formulated with its Nutri Whey Isolate Clear last April.

Further highlighting dairy health benefits, FrieslandCampina Ingredients recently harnessed lactoferrin in its latest Biotis Immune Health launch.

Transparency triumphs
Choosing the right partner has been “crucial” for FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “Cayuga Milk Ingredients mirrors our commitment to sustainable sourcing and quality, fuelled by farmers,” says Guus Aerts, managing director of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, Performance, Active and Medical Nutrition.

Ideal for recovery or endurance sports, MPI 90 and MPC 85 ensure a “more sustained release” of protein than whey proteins do.Cayuga Milk Ingredients is based near Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. The company collects all its milk from family-owned farms within 40 miles of its factory. 

The milk is then processed within 48 hours at a new facility, designed specifically for this purpose.

“Our clean processing and minimal intervention methods ensure premium quality milk proteins, ready to enhance both formulation quality and on-pack appeal for the finished product,” says Kevin Ellis, CEO of Cayuga Milk Ingredients.

Innova Market Insights highlights “Transparency Triumphs” as its top trend for 2021. 

As transparency is increasing to meet evolving ethical and environmental benchmarks, the market researcher notes that six in ten global consumers are interested in learning more about where foods come from. 

The partnership’s cooperative structure prioritizes transparency, considering the US farmers have complete control and oversight of their production and supply chain – “from the grass that the cows eat to dairy products in cold storage,” Schnell highlights.

By Anni Schleicher