Speciality ingredient manufacturer Actus Nutrition and dairy cooperative Darigold have finalised a strategic partnership to expand the production of milk proteins and other speciality food ingredients.
The collaboration leverages the manufacturing capabilities and raw milk supply of Darigold alongside the formulation and processing expertise of Actus. The transition, which involves facilities in Jerome, Idaho, and Sunnyside, Washington, is expected to be completed by mid-June 2026.
Financial terms of the agreements have not been disclosed.
Facility Transitions in Idaho and Washington
The strategic arrangement between the two businesses is built around distinct operational roles across two key processing locations:
Jerome, Idaho: Actus Nutrition will assume ownership of Darigold’s processing facility in Jerome, continuing the manufacture of non-fat dry milk. Actus plans to invest in the site to expand its technical capabilities, allowing it to produce high-value milk protein products. The facility will continue to receive its raw milk supply from member-owners of the Northwest Dairy Association cooperative. This acquisition marks the second manufacturing facility operated by Actus in the Jerome region.
Sunnyside, Washington: Under a long-term commercial agreement, Darigold will manufacture and supply sweet whey powder and high-value whey products exclusively for Actus Nutrition.
According to the companies, the whey protein sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by robust consumer demand and continuous product innovation in the functional health and nutrition spaces.
The partnership is structured to streamline the processing supply chain, connecting regional agricultural outputs directly with advanced ingredient processing.
David Lenzmeier, Chief Executive Officer of Actus Nutrition, stated that the company continues to observe strong global demand for high-quality dairy proteins. He noted that the partnership combines the reliability of Darigold's processing operations with the quality of its member-owners' milk, establishing a more connected and efficient supply chain to support long-term customer innovation.
Amy Humphreys, Chief Executive Officer of Darigold, explained that the agreement allows the cooperative to maintain its primary focus on processing its members' milk and serving customers in the Pacific Northwest and international markets, while actively participating in the growing global market for speciality protein ingredients.
Corporate Profiles and Speciality Portfolios
Actus Nutrition is a vertically integrated manufacturer of nutritional ingredients, operating as a portfolio company of Los Angeles-based private equity firm Butterfly Equity.
The manufacturer produces a wide range of protein and speciality ingredients for global food and beverage brands, and serves as a co-manufacturer for household consumer brands, the livestock feed sector, and the pet food industry. Its advanced ingredient portfolio includes:
PRObev: A clear whey protein formulation.
CasPRO: US-manufactured casein and caseinate ingredients.
Speciality Bioactives: High-value milk fractions including lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
Darigold operates as the marketing and processing arm of the Northwest Dairy Association, which is owned by more than 280 family dairy farms across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
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