FrieslandCampina invests over €90 million to expand high-value whey protein capacity in the Netherlands

FrieslandCampina has announced an investment programme of more than €90 million (US$97.2 million) to expand its production of high-value whey proteins and upgrade its ingredients manufacturing network across the Netherlands.

• FrieslandCampina has committed more than €90 million (US$97.2 million) to expand high-value whey protein production capacity across three Dutch sites.
• The programme includes upgrades in Bedum, Veghel and Workum to support advanced ingredients such as WPC80 and microparticulated whey proteins.
• The investments are expected to reduce Scope 1 emissions by around 16 kilotonnes CO2e while reaching full operational capacity by 2028.

The investment will focus on production sites in Bedum, Veghel and Workum, where FrieslandCampina Ingredients plans to increase its capacity to convert whey, a by-product of cheese production, into premium protein ingredients.

The programme is designed to support growing demand for advanced protein solutions across performance and active nutrition, early life nutrition and medical nutrition. It includes technological upgrades to enable the production of ingredients such as WPC80, instantized whey proteins and Nutri Whey ProHeat microparticulated whey.

These ingredients are widely used by food manufacturers in applications including high-protein drinks, bars and yogurts, reflecting continued growth in demand for functional and high-protein products.

FrieslandCampina reported that the investment would strengthen its ability to process internally sourced whey streams into higher-value ingredients, improving efficiency and flexibility across its production network.

Anne Peter Lindeboom, President of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said: “Global demand for advanced protein solutions continues to accelerate. This programme is the next step in our broader investment strategy to lead in high-value proteins, building on recent investments to strengthen whey capacity and valorisation in the Netherlands such as in Borculo, and in the United States through the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein. By investing across our ingredients network, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers worldwide and to create more value from our whey streams in a sustainable and future-oriented way.”

The announcement builds on a series of recent investments aimed at expanding FrieslandCampina’s whey processing capabilities. These include earlier capacity upgrades in Borculo and the acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein in the USA, which extended the company’s footprint in the North American ingredients market.

By upgrading multiple sites simultaneously, FrieslandCampina aims to strengthen the resilience and flexibility of its whey valorization chain, enabling it to respond more effectively to shifts in demand across different end markets.

The company indicated that the investments would also support the long-term competitiveness of its Dutch production base, ensuring facilities remain technologically advanced and aligned with evolving customer requirements.

In addition to capacity expansion, the programme includes measures to improve environmental performance. FrieslandCampina stated that the upgrades would incorporate energy- and water-efficient technologies, alongside the phase-out of older production lines.

As a result, Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by approximately 16 kilotonnes CO2e, while maintaining compliance with Dutch and EU environmental standards.

The investment programme will be implemented in phases over the coming years, with full operational capacity expected by 2028. FrieslandCampina confirmed that Works Councils will be informed in line with standard procedures as developments at each site progress.

With demand for high-value whey proteins continuing to rise across sports, lifestyle and medical nutrition segments, FrieslandCampina’s latest investment reflects a focus on expanding capacity while improving efficiency and sustainability across its ingredients operations.