On April 23, 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients announced its acquisition of Volac’s Whey Nutrition business through a purchase of shares. The UK-based Volac group operates from its whey processing facility in Felinfach, Wales, where they turn whey into ingredients for sports nutrition, with by-products being sold for food and animal nutrition.
The purchased shares will be across Volac Whey Nutrition Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries, Volac Whey Nutrition Ltd and Volac Renewable Energy Ltd. The completion of the transaction is expected later this year subject to required regulatory approvals.
Arla envisions the Felinfach site as a global production hub and a cornerstone of an enhanced product offering in the performance, health, and food sectors. Luis Cubel, group vice president and managing director of Arla Foods Ingredients, expressed excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead by bringing together two complementary offerings in a growing and increasingly international space for whey products. He mentioned, “Volac is a pioneer in the use of whey protein for performance nutrition and has a wealth of expertise as well as an incredibly talented team.”
James Neville, joint owner of Volac, on behalf of the Neville family, discussed the history and achievements of Volac’s whey processing at the Felinfach site over the past three decades. He emphasized the importance of choosing the right partner with the right values and expertise for the future of Volac Whey Nutrition business. He stated, “When considering the future of Volac Whey Nutrition and the opportunities that lie ahead for that business, it was crucial for us to choose a partner with the right values and expertise. Arla Foods Ingredients has the ambition and the knowledge to take the business to the next level.”