Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. has recently announced its intention to acquire Wisconsin Whey Protein, a renown producer of whey protein isolates in the US.
Wisconsin Whey Protein will become part of FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in proteins and prebiotics. As a result of the acquisition, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will significantly increase its total whey protein capacity, helping to meet rising global demand for high-quality protein ingredients, while supporting Friesland Campina’s broader investment strategy to lead the global protein market.
Presently, the Wisconsin Whey Protein’s modern facilities in the US is currently undergoing expansion which will more than double its whey protein isolate capacity. The company will be integrated into the FrieslandCampina Ingredients business group, reinforcing its ability to serve customers across the performance, active and medical nutrition market segments.
Anne Peter Lindeboom, President of FrieslandCampina Ingredients commented that, “By joining forces with Wisconsin Whey Protein, a respected producer of high-quality whey isolates with a strong focus on production and innovation, we bring together expanded capacity in the US with our deep expertise in protein technology, research and application development. The acquisition will enable us to scale our proven successes in high-end protein offerings to customers in the US and worldwide. All in the pursuit of providing nutritional solutions that meet both consumer preferences and needs, to help people get the most out of life, always.”
With the intended acquisition, FrieslandCampina will also enter into a collaboration with Stainless Technologies, a sister company of Wisconsin Whey Protein that builds state-of-the-art process technology solutions.
Protein supplementation has become a mainstream component in nutritional food and beverages. Today, 71% of consumers actively prioritize protein intake—a notable increase from 59% in 2022 and 67% in 2023, according to IFIC Food & Health Survey 2024. This has been driven by a rise in consumers viewing higher protein diets as good for their general health, increased demand for high-protein diets for fitness and weight management, and ongoing product innovation. In addition, protein quality is becoming just as important as quantity. Consumers are becoming more aware about the benefits of complete proteins (containing all 9 essential amino acids) and the benefits of specific amino acids. This plea for high-quality protein presents an opportunity to provide tailored solutions for every moment of the day, and for every market. The whey protein market is expected to grow at 6.6% per annum until 2030.
AFBR has the opportunity to gain further insights on how the acquisition will impact FrieslandCampina’s activities particularly in Asia. According to Floor van der Horst, Global Marketing Director, Performance and Active Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, “Protein supplementation has evolved from a niche trend to a worldwide phenomenon, with nearly 60% of global food and beverage consumers actively seeking more protein in their diets.[1] And Asia Pacific is very much part of this shift – its whey protein market alone is expected to grow from US$2.21 billion in 2025 to US$4.36 billion by 2033,[2] reflecting a strong ingredient demand. The acquisition of Wisconsin Whey Protein gives our customers around the world superior access to high-quality whey protein, along with greater flexibility and reliability of supply, to help them meet the rising demand. What’s more, this milestone complements our broader investment strategy to help brands drive consumer-first innovation shaped to local preferences and taste profiles. This includes the recent opening of our new application centre in Singapore, which enhances our ability to deliver tailored ingredient solutions for the APAC region, enabling faster development and deeper collaboration with our partners.”
This strategic acquisition marks a milestone in FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ journey to become a top 3 global player in the performance and active nutrition markets while maintaining its stronghold as market leader in the early life and medical nutrition markets. It supports the company’s long-term plan to expand into high-growth markets and build a future-focused portfolio that meets global health and wellness needs.
[1] Innova Market Insights, Functional Ingredients Trends: Global Market Overview, 2025
[2] Market Data Forecast, Asia Pacific Whey Protein Market, 2025.
For more information, click on: FrieslandCampina Ingredients (local APAC office)
