Arla Tanker at Stourton

The co-operative will manufacture Arla Food Ingredients’ patented microparticulate whey protein concentrate product using the company’s proprietary process

British dairy co-operative First Milk has announced a new partnership with Arla Foods Ingredients to product a specialist whey protein powder at its Lake District Creamery.

First Milk will manufacture Nutilac FO-7875, which was developed by Arla Foods Ingredients and is used as an ingredient to enhance the level of protein in food and drink products while retaining texture and taste.

The co-operative will manufacture the patented microparticulate whey protein concentrate product using the company’s proprietary process. Arla Foods Ingredients will market and sell the product internationally.

“This is a new kind of partnership for us, and a very exciting one, especially at a time when demand for high-quality protein solutions has never been greater,” said Henrik Anderson, CEO of Arla Foods Ingredients.

Manufacturing speciality whey protein products requires both expertise and a commitment to the highest standards, both of which First Milk shares with us,” Anderson added.

First Milk said it had carried out “significant investment” into its operations, making it well-placed to expand the range of products it makes.

It will continue to manufacture whey protein concentrate powder WPC30 and market it through its existing partnership.

“We see this type of collaboration as key to our success, enabling our members to be part of the worldwide dairy supply chain, enriching life to secure a positive future for all,” said Shelagh Hancock, CEO of First Milk.