Emmi Opens State-Of-The-Art Plant For Goat Milk Powder In The Netherlands

Emmi is bundling its activities in the field of goat milk powder under the umbrella of the newly founded Emmi Nutritional Solutions (ENS) and is commissioning a new, resource-efficient production facility at its existing site in Etten-Leur, Netherlands. The state-of-the-art spray drying plant is a prime example of energy efficiency and meets the growing demand for high-quality, nutritious goat's milk powder, especially for baby food. With the investment of 40 million in this attractive growth niche, Emmi is also creating economic prospects for regional goat milk suppliers.

Emmi has commissioned a new, energy-efficient spray tower for the production of goat milk powder at the site of its two subsidiaries, Goat Milk Powder and Bettinehoeve, in Etten-Leur, Netherlands. Emmi is investing CHF 40 million in the growing global market for goat's milk powder.

Thanks to the great commitment of the teams, we can put our new, resource-efficient plant for goat milk powder into operation according to plan. The increased production capacity and the technological design of the plant allow us to further strengthen our position in this attractive niche and to open up new markets and segments with the newly launched Emmi Nutritional Solutions,” says Ricarda Demarmels, CEO of the Emmi Group.

Powder business now under Emmi Nutritional Solutions
The business with high-quality goat milk powder is managed by the newly founded Emmi Nutritional Solutions (ENS), which combines all procurement, manufacturing and sales activities. The new strategic unit is a merger of the goat and sheep milk powder dealer AVH dairy trade, which has been part of the Emmi Group since 2013, and the goat milk powder manufacturer Goat Milk Powder, in which Emmi has held a stake since 2016. Thanks to the merger, synergies can be better utilized and growth initiatives can be driven forward in a dynamic market environment.

High tolerance and nutritional quality
Thanks to its compatibility and high nutritional quality, pure goat milk powder can improve or maintain the quality of life of people from infancy and childhood to old age. Goat's milk powder is a valuable source of protein, minerals, vitamins and trace elements and has a nutritional profile similar to human breast milk. Accordingly, the global demand for high-quality pure goat milk powder, especially in the form of baby food, has grown steadily in recent years. In addition to specialized baby food, the range will be expanded to include a wide range of milk-based end products with protein-enriched powder. These range from foods for a healthy and active lifestyle to special nutrition for adults and the elderly.

Ecological showcase facility
The state-of-the-art spray drying plant, equipped with energy-efficient energy pumps and recovery technologies, is a prime example of eco- and energy efficiency. As part of the Emmi sustainability model, which is geared towards a net-zero reduction path, and the objective of reducing internal greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2027, the system uses an electric heat pump instead of a gas-driven steam system. This reduces annual CO ₂ emissions by more than 6,000 tons.In addition to using the residual heat from the nearby Bettinehoeve specialty cheese production facility, air compressors also recover the energy used for cooling. The new system also reduces water consumption by 20 percent thanks to a sophisticated return of the condensate from the steamed milk that occurs during the production process to the water cycle.

More jobs and rural value creation
Around 30 new jobs will be created at ENS in line with Emmi's long-term growth plans. At the same time, the investment in and expansion at the Dutch location ensures added value in the region, especially in rural areas. In addition to higher purchase volumes, ENS supports its goat milk suppliers in a variety of ways to produce sustainably. With the processing of high-quality goat's milk certified according to the Dutch quality program, which complies with the highest hygiene and animal welfare regulations, Emmi is increasingly supplying people around the world with nutritious goat's milk products.