Arla Foods Ingredients has signed a contract manufacturing agreement with Valley Queen, strengthening its ability to meet the growing demand for protein-enriched dairy in the U.S.

The South Dakota-based dairy processor will produce ingredients from the Nutrilac ProteinBoost product range. The patented microparticulate whey protein concentrate is used to increase protein levels in food and beverage products while retaining texture and taste.

Privately owned and with a team of 440 employees, Valley Queen specializes in high-quality dairy products. It handles around 3 billion pounds of milk annually and produces 330 million pounds of cheese. Production of Nutrilac ProteinBoost is expected to begin at the company’s plant in Milbank, South Dakota, in winter 2025/2026, after new specialty equipment has been installed. 

“Demand for protein-enriched dairy products continues to grow in the U.S. In order to meet it, and to fulfil our ambitious plans for growth in North America, it was essential for us to significantly increase our capacity for the production of Nutrilac ProteinBoost,” said Luis Cubel, group vice president and managing director of Arla Foods Ingredients. “At the same time, it was important for us to choose a partner with the right values, history and expertise. We’re delighted to work with Valley Queen, a company with a long heritage which shares our commitment to producing dairy and whey products of the highest quality.”

About Arla Foods Ingredients
Arla Foods Ingredients is a global leader in improving premium nutrition. Together with our customers, research partners, suppliers, NGOs and others, we discover and deliver documented ingredients and products that can advance lifelong nutrition for the benefit of consumers around the world.