Global ingredients supplier FrieslandCampina Ingredients announced a new partnership with Cayuga Milk Ingredients for the production of its Refit milk proteins MPI 90 and MPC 85. It will source the proteins from two farmer-controlled co-operatives coming together to bring customers a localized source of premium milk proteins from the Finger Lakes region in New York State.
 
“Our Refit range, which includes MPI 90 milk protein isolate and MPC 85 milk protein concentrate, is designed to allow our customers to choose from a wide range of dairy proteins for performance and active nutrition,” Uwe Schnell, managing director, North America, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said. “These ingredients ensure a more sustained release of protein than whey proteins do, so are ideal for recovery or endurance sports. We’re very happy to now offer our American customers a local, trusted source of milk proteins, while also ensuring customers achieve stable access to high quality, easily traceable solutions.”
 
Schnell pointed to consumer research, sourced from FMCG Gurus, which suggests that 73% of sports nutrition consumers are looking for high-quality proteins, while 87% are looking for solutions with minimally processed ingredients. “Consumers needs for milk protein solutions are not only growing, but also diversifying. People are looking for nutritional support for a wider range of moments and needs, from a pre-exercise boost to a night-time recovery solution. And they’re interested in an ever-broader range of applications, from powder to bar, shake to shot. We’re excited to make it easier now for our U.S. customers to meet the evolving needs of these smart shoppers, with a fresh, local solution that lives right at home.”
 
“Choosing the right partner has been crucial,” Guus Aerts, managing director, Ingredients, Performance, Active & Medical Nutrition, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said. “We’re proud to be working with Cayuga Milk Ingredients, an organization which mirrors our commitment to sustainable sourcing and quality, fueled by farmers themselves.”
 
Cayuga Milk Ingredients is located near Cayuga Lake in the agriculturally-rich Finger Lakes region, where it collects milk from family-owned farms within 40 miles of its factory. The milk is then processed within 48 hours at a new state-of-the-art facility, expressly designed for the purpose of protein isolates and concentrates.
 
Kevin Ellis, CEO of Cayuga Milk Ingredients, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We’re excited to bring the value of our local milk and our transparent, high-quality production process to FrieslandCampina Ingredients customers,” he said. “Our clean processing and minimal intervention methods ensure milk proteins of premium quality, ready to enhance both formulation quality and on-pack appeal for the finished product.”