The expansion, first announced in 2023, seeks to strengthen the company’s position in the protein sector by improving the supply of WPI—widely used in sports and performance nutrition—and MFGM, which supports applications in early life nutrition.
“This expansion is a key milestone in our journey to become a top‑three global player in performance and active nutrition, while maintaining our leadership in early life and medical nutrition,” Guus Aerts, global director of marketing and product strategy at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, told NutraIngredients. “It complements our regional scale – alongside our recently expanded North American footprint with the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein – and strengthens a future‑focused portfolio built around high‑quality proteins.
“More capacity with the right technology translates into faster innovation and greater confidence for our customers globally.”
Meeting growing whey protein demand
According to data from Grand View Research, the global whey protein market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.5% from 2026 to 2033. This is partly attributed to rising consumer awareness of the benefits of complete proteins, such as supporting muscle maintenance, weight management and healthy aging, Aerts said.
“For WPI, we’re seeing sustained, multiyear growth in protein-fortified nutrition across regions,” he told NI. “Drivers include more active lifestyles, healthy aging and a sharper focus on weight management, with GLP1 adoption influencing everyday nutrition choices.
“In parallel, our co-development with customers is moving into more advanced formats – RTDs, clear beverages, medical nutrition and high-protein powders – where high-purity proteins and dependable functionality are critical.”
However, as Aerts explained, customer demand is increasing so quickly that supply won’t keep up.
“While the expansion will help relieve some pressure for some customers, we anticipate that demand may continue to outpace supply in certain markets, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and partnership with our customers,” he said.
Aerts noted that as competition in the WPI market intensifies, the company is focused on promoting its reliability, offering EU-level traceability, and maintaining full end-to-end control of its supply chain. To meet growing demand, FrieslandCampina Ingredients produces its WPI from Dutch-style cheese, processing it to deliver a clean, neutral taste.
MFGM gains traction in infant nutrition for brain, immune and gut health
The expansion has also increased production of MFGM, a whey-derived concentrate produced through gentle processing, which contains proteins, lipids, and bioactive components such as phospholipids, immunoglobulin G, and lactoferrin.
As Aerts explained, leading infant formula brands are increasing demand for MFGM by adding special ingredients that give extra benefits and meet parents’ expectations.
“Most leading infant milk formula brands already include MFGM in at least one formulation and plan to broaden usage,” he said. “This demand is only likely to increase as the evidence base grows for MFGM’s brain, immune and gut health benefits.”
He noted that by investing in increasing production now, the company is able to secure reliable access to premium proteins and expand production capacity, enabling it to meet current demand and continuously upgrade formulations as science and consumer expectations advance.
“MFGM is already widely used in premium infant milk formulas, but its full potential is still being unlocked,” Aerts said. “As a complex ingredient made of proteins and lipids, broader adoption depends on developing reliable measurement methods, strengthening scientific evidence and achieving regulatory clarity to communicate its benefits confidently.
“We’re tackling this on two fronts: validating measurement methods and continuing research with partners and offering formats – including dry‑blends – that help preserve bioactivity.”
