Key Takeaways
- Actus Nutrition and Darigold have finalized a strategic partnership to expand production of milk proteins and specialty food ingredients across facilities in Jerome, ID, and Sunnyside, WA.
- Actus will take ownership of Darigold's Jerome facility and invest in expanding it to produce high-value milk protein products, making it Actus's second facility in Jerome.
- Under a long-term commercial agreement, Darigold will produce and supply sweet whey powder and high-value whey products exclusively for Actus from its Sunnyside, WA facility.
- Actus is the largest manufacturer of whey and milk proteins in North America, with a product portfolio spanning PRObev clear whey protein, CasPRO casein and caseinate, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, and MFGM.
- The transition is expected to be completed by mid-June 2026; no financial terms have been disclosed.
Actus Nutrition and Darigold Form Strategic Partnership to Expand Dairy Protein Production
Actus Nutrition, a North American specialty ingredient manufacturer and Butterfly Equity portfolio company, has finalized a strategic partnership with Darigold, Inc. to expand the production of milk proteins and specialty food ingredients across two Pacific Northwest facilities. The deal involves separate arrangements at Darigold facilities in Jerome, Idaho, and Sunnyside, Washington, with a transition expected to be completed by mid-June 2026.
In Jerome, Actus will take ownership of the facility and continue non-fat dry milk manufacturing, while investing to expand capabilities into high-value milk protein products. Milk supply from members of the Northwest Dairy Association cooperative will continue under the new ownership. In Sunnyside, Darigold will produce and supply sweet whey powder and high-value whey products exclusively for Actus under a long-term commercial agreement.
“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, Chief Executive Officer of Actus Nutrition. “The reliability of Darigold's manufacturing operations and the quality of its member-owners' milk make Darigold an excellent partner as we position ourselves to grow with our customers.”
Actus Nutrition's North American Dairy Protein Platform
Actus holds the position of the largest manufacturer of whey and milk proteins in North America, producing a range of specialty ingredients for major food and beverage brands. Its portfolio includes PRObev clear whey protein, CasPRO US-made casein and caseinate, and specialty ingredients such as lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
“This partnership brings specialized expertise that complements our strong capabilities and will deliver long-term value for our member-owners,” said Amy Humphreys, Chief Executive Officer of Darigold. “Our partnership with Actus Nutrition allows Darigold to maintain focus on our core business of processing our members' milk and serving our customers here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, while participating in the growing market for specialty protein ingredients.”
A Supply Chain Built Around Farmer-Owner Value
Both companies frame the deal as a supply chain efficiency play with downstream benefits for dairy farmer-owners. Darigold retains its core milk processing focus while gaining exposure to the growing specialty protein ingredients market through the exclusive whey supply agreement.
