WPC80 is commonly used as a protein source in sports products and health foods.
First Milk has agreed to purchase Fonterra’s 51% share of its Fast Forward JV. As such, in July 2019, First Milk will become the sole owner of the WPC manufacturing facilities based at its Lake District Creamery.
Havero Hoogwegt, a global specialist in dairy proteins, supplies proteins to over 50 countries. It is part of the Hoogwegt Group, the world’s largest privately-owned dairy ingredients provider, and an existing First Milk partner.
Shelagh Hancock, chief executive, said, “The added value protein market continues to grow with applications for high-quality whey products, such as WPC80, in the expanding sports nutrition and functional foods categories.
“We are delighted to take over full ownership of our well-invested whey processing facility at our Lake District Creamery and to confirm our new sales and distribution partnership with Havero Hoogwegt. Backed by their unique global network and team of commercial, technical and logistics experts, I am confident they are well-placed to maximize the market potential of our WPC80 production for mutual benefit.”
Freek-Jan van der Puijl, managing director, Havero Hoogwegt, said, “We see First Milk as an experienced producer of WPC of consistently high quality and with a good reputation. We are proud to enter this partnership, which enables us to further grow and strengthen our global market position, allowing us to create best value for our partners.”