UK | Arla Foods Ingredients has acquired Volac’s Whey Nutrition business.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approved it in April 2024, following an agreement between the two companies.
The business was built around a processing facility at Felinfach in Wales, which handles large volumes of whey and specialises in producing whey protein isolate (WPI). The site will become a cornerstone of Arla Foods Ingredients’ global production facilities, with further investment and expansion planned in the coming years.
The acquisition has given Arla Foods Ingredients a significant additional quantity of whey, helping it meet a growing market need. The particular demand for WPI has been in the health and sports nutrition sectors, which grew by a CAGR of 9 percent between 2010 and 2023.
Arla Foods Ingredients has now projected that its WPI sales will rise significantly over the next five years. The facility will also produce whey-fat concentrate and lactose.
“Our acquisition of Volac Whey Nutrition brings together two major manufacturers of whey ingredients, consolidating our position as a leader in the space,” said Luis Cubel, Group Vice President and Managing Director of Arla Foods Ingredients.
“Having Volac experts and its network of trusted supply partners as part of our team gives us several strategic advantages. It expands our market reach, helping us serve even more customers, and strengthens our global supply chain at a time when demand for whey is growing.”
These two companies, Volac and Arla, share values and have a joint commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
“We look forward to learning from our new colleagues and partners and harnessing our respective strengths to meet the evolving needs of manufacturers and consumers, especially in the sports nutrition space.”
