Dairy processors worldwide concentrate and subsequently crystallize the substantial quantity of lactose in whey permeate for food.

11 Oct 2023 --- An upgrade at Arla Foods Ingredients’ Porteña facility in Argentina marks a strategic investment to satisfy the rising global and Latin American demand for high-quality whey ingredients. As the enterprise seeks to fortify its market presence, the emerging questions on ethical nutritional sources and allergic response to dairy products remain prevalent among consumers.

Whey permeate powder, derived as a byproduct from the cheese-making industry, is known for its low-caloric sweetness and mineral content, finding favor especially in Asian and Latin American markets. 

“The new drying tower will put us on course to more than double the site’s capacity for production of whey permeate powder,” Henrik Andersen, CEO of Arla Foods Ingredients, tells Food Ingredients First.

Henrik Andersen, CEO Arla Foods Ingredients.This investment materializes amid a surge in whey permeate demand, and with dairy technology provider Relco  set to commence construction soon, Arla positions itself to capitalize on the global market dynamic. 

Doubling down on whey permeate production
Andersen says the company has been active in Argentina since 2000 and this upgrade is “essential” to Arla Foods Ingredients’ strategy which also involves cooperation with local dairies. 

“Getting to this point has taken a lot of time, hard work and — most importantly — co-operation, not just between our fantastic teams in Argentina and Denmark, but also with local dairies.” 

“We have worked closely with our suppliers to improve the quality of in-coming whey and also taken the steps necessary to be able to manufacture infant formula-grade proteins at the site, helping us meet the growing global need for high-quality infant nutrition products,” Andersen explains.

A dive into infant formula-grade protein production
According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding during the initial six months of life is crucial. However, for mothers unable to breastfeed, a balance between providing alternatives and ensuring the utmost safety and quality of these alternatives remains imperative.

Ensuring stringent adherence to nutritional and hygiene norms is key when venturing into early life nutrition production. The Porteña facility projects an output of infant-grade material within its inaugural year and anticipatory growth thereafter. 

“It was a very detailed and rigorous process,” Andersen continues, “and one which required a lot of time, hard work and collaboration. The many measures we’ve taken to meet the necessary standards have included the creation of meticulous new sanitary barriers to protect the zone wher formula-grade products are manufactured, and strict procedures to improve environmental standards and raw material separation.”

“Our local suppliers play a crucial role. We’ve adopted a partnership approach, working collaboratively with them to ensure that the raw materials they provide meet the necessary quality standards. That included a lot of dialogue, as well as investment in training programmes,” he further elaborates.Arla Foods Ingredients predicts that infant-grade material will account for a sizeable proportion of the plant’s output within the first year (Image credit: Arla Foods Ingredient).

Navigating the complex tapestry of nutritional demand
Arla Foods Ingredients anticipates the broad-spectrum demand for whey ingredients to burgeon further, extending beyond food and beverage sectors into infant nutrition products.

Yet, this maneuver into infant nutrition is confronted with concerns regarding health issues including allergic responses in infants introduced to non-human proteins. International companies are also looking for alternatives of whey protein beta-lactoglobulin.

The enterprise also needs to navigate the nuanced challenges posed by the environmental concerns due to the fact that whey is highly contaminated with a high organic load.