Fonterra’s NZMP introduces new protein ingredient

Fonterra’s dairy ingredients brand NZMP has introduced a new ingredient that delivers at least 10% more protein than other standard whey proteins.

With this launch, the company aims to capture a major market share in the $10bn sports nutrition market.

The company claims that its new protein ingredient has been developed for sports drinks and energy bars, and is lower in fat, sugar and carbohydrates.

Fonterra lead technologist Neil Fraser said: “People are taking more interest in their diet and health, which means as the awareness of the benefits of protein goes more mainstream, sports nutrition is no longer just for exercise fanatics.

“Protein is an important part in everyone’s diet. It is needed for growth and maintenance of all cells in the body, especially muscles.

“Proteins are believed to support athletic performance, but are also important for healthy ageing, especially when it comes to maintaining muscle strength and function as we get older.”

Fraser further explained that some protein ingredients have traditionally been formulated using cheese whey, whereas NZMP used lactic casein whey.

NZMP has been developing dairy protein ingredients, which are marketed under the NZMP SureProtein brand.

Fraser added: “The NZMP protein has been developed and introduced to market in less than a year through the collaboration of Fonterra’s research and development centre, and operations teams. It is a good example of getting more value out of our farmers’ milk by producing higher-value products.”

The company said that they are receiving orders from US sports nutrition drink producers with the launch of the NZMP SureProtein ingredient.

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Image: NZMP researchers developed new protein ingredient. Photo: courtesy of Fonterra Co-operative Group.