Milk Specialties Begins Milk Protein Concentrate Production

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.On Feb. 14, Milk Specialties Global began production of milk protein concentrate at its newest location in Visalia, Calif.

The milk protein concentrate market is growing in areas of sports nutrition, for protein fortification, sustained release and functional foods. Categories seeing major growth include ready-to-drink nutritional beverages, Greek yogurt, sports nutrition powders, processed cheese, chocolates and candy.

Suvash Kafley, director of research and development, said the company has dedicated its Visalia facility to milk proteins concentrate and isolate production.

We will also be making native micellar caseins and low-grit micellar caseins, as well as caseinate replacers for creamer applications. The plant can produce high-quality liquid or powder milk protein concentrates and isolates in less than 24 hours, allowing us to provide an estimated 1 million pounds each month, of milk protein concentrates and milk protein isolates to the market place, in order to meet current demand," she said.

Visalia is located in Tulare County, which is one of the largest milk producing counties in the United States. Milk Specialties Global CEO David Lenzmeier said the ability to produce milk protein concentrates in the county allows the company to take full advantage of a fresh, local supply of milk, providing the highest-quality Grade A, rBGH-free milk protein concentrates to its customers.