UDA and FrieslandCampina to partner for lactoferrin production

US-based dairy cooperative United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) is set to partner with FrieslandCampina to produce lactoferrin, a speciality ingredient in early life nutrition.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies aim to bring lactoferrin to the market to meet the ingredient’s growing demand.

Found in cow and human milk, lactoferrin offers several health benefits with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

United Dairymen of Arizona CEO Keith Murfield said: “Partnering with FrieslandCampina has been an honour for our cooperative.

“The fact that they’ve chosen Arizona milk to contribute to their global lactoferrin business is very exciting. We are very proud of our farmers for their commitment to animal care, without which we wouldn’t get such high-quality milk.”

UDA and FrieslandCampina expect to produce ten tonnes of lactoferrin per year under the partnership.

Both companies see the partnership as an opportunity for further collaboration.

FrieslandCampina ingredients president Kathy Fortmann said: “We are excited about the new partnership because of the common values, history and structure of our companies, and it fits our strategic ambitions on lactoferrin.

“Our technology and extensive experience, combined with the high-quality milk of UDA, will ensure a product that meets global quality and regulatory requirements for early life nutrition.”

Going further, FrieslandCampina could announce its lactoferrin capacity expansion.

In February, Australian dairy company Bega Cheese unveiled plans to build a lactoferrin extraction plant at its Koroit facility in western Victoria.

The company secured a long-term lactoferrin supply agreement, which will support an investment of A$34m ($24.1m) to establish the unit.