Lakeland to market new whey product

LAKELAND Dairies has established a new secondary processing facility in Killeshandra, Co Cavan, to convert whey into a high-value dairy protein concentrate used in the manufacture of a diverse range of modern food ingredients.

The group announced yesterday that production of WPC 80 has begun and the first 20 tonnes of product were dispatched this week to a European customer.

Ed Prendergast, chief executive, told Lakeland’s AGM in Cootehill, Co Cavan, the group expects a return on its investment in 18 months and to retain a significant margin afterwards.

WPC 80 is a derivative of whey, a by-product of casein manufacturing. For years it was considered to be of no commercial value by dairy processors.

Now, through a process of ultra filtration, solid levels can be raised to as much as 80% creating a very valuable protein concentrate used in the production of many modern food items.

Despite a difficult year for dairy markets, Lakeland reported operating profits of 7m on turnover of 337m for 2002.