FrieslandCampina Ingredients scales Dutch whey protein isolate and milk fat globule production

FrieslandCampina Ingredients has completed a strategic investment in its Netherlands-based Borculo facility, doubling the production of its whey protein isolate and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredients. The upgrade supports a diverse range of global applications across the early life, performance, active, and medical nutrition markets. 

First announced in 2023 and now in commercial operation, the expanded site is equipped with advanced technologies to ensure the quality, functionality, and performance of both whey protein isolate and MFGM.

State-of-the-art filtration technologies at the facility preserve the bio-functionality of whey protein isolate, which FrieslandCampina Ingredients derives from Dutch-style cheese and carefully processes to deliver a clean, neutral taste. These utilities also ensure that MFGM continues to meet the strict standards in the early life nutrition market.

“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,” says Anne Peter Lindeboom, president of FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

“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. Building on our recent acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein in North America, this expansion reflects our strategic focus on strengthening our global protein capabilities,” she details.

“By combining regional scale, advanced processing, and application expertise, we can better support our customers and respond to the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.”

Rising to meet global demand

FrieslandCampina Ingredients highlights that global demand for high-quality protein continues to grow, with the whey market projected at a CAGR of 6.6% through 2030.

FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Netherlands-based Borculo facility for whey protein isolate and milk fat globule membrane.Meanwhile, consumers’ heightened awareness of complete proteins’ benefits — from muscle maintenance and weight management to healthy aging — has made whey protein isolate a staple ingredient beyond sports nutrition.

For its MFGM offering, FrieslandCampina Ingredients highlights proven benefits for brain and immune health and further emerging evidence for gut health benefits for the early life nutrition market.

MFGM contains proteins, lipids, and bioactive components such as phospholipids, immunoglobulin G, and lactoferrin. With MFGM being available as a dry blend, these heat-sensitive bioactives remain intact during processing, the supplier highlights.

The Borculo facility is also actively implementing measures to reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to FrieslandCampina’s broader climate targets for 2030 and reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable, responsible production.

Nutrition Insight recently met with the company at Expo West 2026, where it discussed Biotis Fermentis, a gut-muscle health ingredient with whey protein, prebiotics, and probiotics. FrieslandCampina Ingredients also revealed it is investing in application resources with US expansions in the pipeline.