FrieslandCampina Ingredients has successfully completed a strategic investment in its Borculo facility in the Netherlands, doubling production of both its whey protein isolate (WPI) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredients.
The expanded site, first announced in 2023 and now in commercial operation, enables the company to supply more high-quality dairy protein ingredients worldwide, supporting a diverse range of applications across the early life, performance, active and medical nutrition markets.
Global demand for high-quality protein continues to accelerate, with the whey market projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% through 2030. Increased consumer awareness of complete proteins’ benefits – from muscle maintenance and weight management to healthy ageing – is driving brands to seek ingredients that deliver both strong nutrition credentials and formulation flexibility, and WPI has become a cornerstone ingredient across the sports nutrition and beyond. In response to this demand, the Borculo expansion strengthens FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ ability to supply high-quality WPI – which is derived from Dutch-style cheese and carefully processed to deliver a clean, neutral taste – reinforcing its long-standing leadership in premium dairy proteins.
At the same time, the strategic expansion of the Borculo facility has enabled a significant increase in FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ MFGM production. A premium whey protein concentrate obtained through the gentle processing of pasteurised cheese whey, MFGM contains proteins, lipids and bioactive components such as phospholipids, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin. With MFGM being available as a dry-blend, these heat-sensitive bioactives remain intact during processing. Supported by proven benefits for brain and immune health, and further emerging evidence for gut health benefits, MFGM offers brands exciting opportunities to develop high-value products for the early life nutrition market. By expanding its MFGM capacity, FrieslandCampina Ingredients is enabling brands to leverage the ingredient’s unique functional benefits at scale.
The Borculo facility employs advanced technologies to ensure the quality, functionality and performance of both WPI and MFGM. State-of-the-art filtration technologies preserve the bio-functionality of whey, safeguarding the quality and efficacy of WPI, while ensuring that MFGM continues to meet the stringent standards required for use in the early life nutrition market. The 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.
Said Anne Peter Lindeboom, President, FrieslandCampina Ingredients: “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. 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. By combining regional scale, advanced processing and application expertise, we can better support our customers and respond to the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.” For more visit frieslandcampinaingredients.com
