Actus Nutrition expands its protein production capabilities through a strategic partnership with Darigold, strengthening supply capacity and supporting growing demand for high-quality dairy protein ingredients.
Actus Nutrition, a leading manufacturer of specialty ingredients in North America and a portfolio company of Butterfly Equity (“Butterfly”), and Darigold, Inc., one of the nation’s leading dairy cooperatives, today finalized a strategic partnership to expand the production of milk proteins and other specialty food ingredients. The partnership between Actus and Darigold is based on two components involving facilities in Jerome, ID, and Sunnyside, WA.
In Jerome, ID: Actus will assume ownership of the facility and continue to manufacture skim milk powder. In addition, Actus intends to invest in the unit to expand its production capacity and manufacture high-value-added dairy protein products, with continued supply from members of the Northwest Dairy Association cooperative. This will be the second unit operated by Actus in Jerome.
In Sunnyside, Washington: Darigold will produce and supply sweet whey powder, along with high-value dairy products, exclusively to Actus Nutrition under a long-term commercial agreement. The whey protein markets have experienced significant growth in recent years due to strong consumer demand and product innovation.
We continue to see strong global demand for high-quality dairy proteins, and this partnership accelerates our ability to meet that demand,” said David Lenzmeier, CEO of Actus Nutrition. “The reliability of Darigold’s manufacturing operations and the quality of milk from its member-owners make Darigold an excellent partner as we position ourselves to grow alongside our customers. Together, we are creating a more connected and efficient supply chain that supports innovation and delivers greater value for both customers and dairy farmers.”
Actus produces a wide range of proteins and specialty ingredients for leading food and beverage brands. In addition to being the largest manufacturer of whey and milk proteins in North America, Actus also produces US-made PRObev® clear whey protein, CasPRO® casein and caseinate, as well as specialty ingredients such as lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
Our partnership with Actus Nutrition allows Darigold to maintain its focus on its core business of processing milk from its members and serving its customers here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, while participating in the growing market for specialty protein ingredients,” said Amy Humphreys, CEO of Darigold. “This partnership brings specialized knowledge that complements our strong capabilities and will provide long-term value for our member-owners.”
The transition should be completed by mid-June. The financial terms of the agreements will not be disclosed.
About Actus Nutrition
Founded in 1945, Actus Nutrition is a vertically integrated manufacturer of nutritional ingredients for health and wellness products and co-manufacturer of many popular household brands. Actus Nutrition also has a significant presence in the pet food and animal feed industries. Additional information about Actus Nutrition can be found at Actus.com .
About Butterfly
Butterfly is a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California, that invests exclusively in the $26 trillion food industry. Butterfly is a leader in seed-to-table food ecosystem investments in North America and seeks to generate consistent returns through deep industry knowledge, a data-driven investment process, and an operational focus on value creation. Since its founding in 2016, the firm has invested in a diversified portfolio of category-leading companies representing approximately $8 billion in enterprise value, including The Duckhorn Portfolio, Rise Baking Company, Actus Nutrition, Chosen Foods, MaryRuth Organics, Pete and Gerry’s, Orgain, Generous Brands, Bolthouse Fresh Foods, QDOBA, and Pacifico Aquaculture.
