FrieslandCampina moves to expand global protein footprint with planned acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein

Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. announced its intention to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein, a long-established producer of whey protein isolates in the USA, in a move aimed at strengthening its global position in high-quality protein ingredients. Wisconsin Whey Protein would become part of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, the company’s division focused on proteins and prebiotics, significantly increasing its total whey protein capacity and extending its reach more deeply into North America.

Wisconsin Whey Protein operates modern facilities in the heart of the US dairy region, where an expansion currently underway is set to more than double the company’s whey protein isolate output. Integrating this production into FrieslandCampina Ingredients is expected to reinforce the division’s ability to serve customers across performance, active and medical nutrition markets, where demand for high-specification protein ingredients has grown steadily.

Anne Peter Lindeboom, President of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said the intended acquisition would combine complementary strengths. “By joining forces with Wisconsin Whey Protein, a respected producer of high-quality whey isolates with a strong focus on production and innovation, we bring together expanded capacity in the USA with our deep expertise in protein technology, research and application development,” he said. “The acquisition will enable us to scale our proven successes in high-end protein offerings to customers in the USA and worldwide. All in the pursuit of providing nutritional solutions that meet both consumer preferences and needs, to help people get the most out of life, always.”

Wisconsin Whey Protein was founded and led by Chief Executive Officer K Kachadurian, who said the proposed deal aligned the company with a larger partner while maintaining the entrepreneurial character that shaped its development. “There’s a natural fit between Wisconsin Whey Protein’s entrepreneurial spirit and FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ global growth ambition,” he said. “I’m proud that our team will become part of such a purpose-driven company – one making a meaningful impact.”

Alongside the intended acquisition, FrieslandCampina planned to enter a collaboration with Stainless Technologies, a sister company of Wisconsin Whey Protein that builds process technology solutions. The partnership would sit alongside the group’s broader investment strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the global protein market.

Consumer interest in protein has risen sharply in recent years. According to FrieslandCampina, 71% of consumers now actively prioritize their protein intake, up from 59% in 2022 and 67% in 2023. Much of this growth has been driven by both general health considerations and increasing demand from fitness, weight management and specialized nutrition categories. As awareness of the importance of complete proteins and specific amino acids has grown, so too has the focus on high-quality protein sources. The whey protein market is expected to expand at an annual rate of 6.6% through 2030.

FrieslandCampina has invested heavily in strengthening its global footprint and innovation capabilities across regions. The company is preparing to open an application center in North America, complementing recent launches in Asia and Europe, and has undertaken several capacity expansions at its whey protein sites in the Netherlands. These developments are part of a long-term plan to support the group’s ambition for FrieslandCampina Ingredients to become a top three global player in performance and active nutrition, while reinforcing its established leadership in early life and medical nutrition.

The transaction remained subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, and no financial details were disclosed.