Arla launches capacity-increasing dry blend lactose
Earlier this month, AFI launched a premium dry blend lactose product that it claims will enable infant formula manufacturers around the world to increase their output by up to 25% and reduce costs “without compromising food safety.”
Lactose is usually supplied to infant formula producers in wet blends that contain other key ingredients, including proteins, fats, skim milk powder, vitamins, and minerals. These wet blends are heat treated and spray-dried before being packaged.
AFI’s dry blend can, however, be introduced to the manufacturing process following the heat treatment and spray-drying stages.
This, according to Luis Cubel, sales director for Arla Foods Ingredients’ permeate and lactose business, leaves more space available for other ingredients during the wet-blend stage – making it possible to increase capacity by up to quarter on existing production lines.
“Those that choose our dry blend, will have more capacity during the wet blend processing stage,” said Cubel. “And when you increase capacity, you can expect to reduce your output costs.”
Fulfil future demand
Speaking with DairyReporter.com, Cubel pinpointed growing global demand for infant formula as the key driver of its dry blend lactose development.
“Lactose plays an extremely important role in the composition of infant formula. It is essential in stage one and two infant formula products, which need to be as close as possible in composition to breast milk,” said Cubel.
“Demand for infant formula is expected to continue to grow in coming years. We will grow to meet that demand and continue to provide quality products.”
“We will fulfil future demand from the infant formula industry for lactose,” said Cubel.
Long-term lactose demand
The dry blend lactose development takes Arla a step closer to its target of becoming a “top player” in the global market for lactose.
In January 2013, Arla revealed plans to plough DKK 900m ($190m) into the construction of a new lactose plant in Denmark. The facility, which should be fully operational in 2016, will produce lactose to meet ever growing demand for infant formula.
AFI currently produces around 35,000 tonnes of lactose per year. On the back of its efforts, Arla hopes to quadruple this figure in the next few years.
“We’ve analysed the market, and we see that there will be long-term demand for lactose,” said Cubel.
“Within the next few years, we will be producing 100,000 more tonnes of lactose each year.”
“Arla Foods Ingredients is a top player in the global dairy protein market, and we will become a top player in the global lactose market in coming years,” he added.
