Idaho Milk Products expands with US$200M ice cream, powder blending facility

USA – Idaho Milk Products, a global leader in milk proteins and sustainable milk processing, has announced a major expansion of its operations with plans to build a US$200 million dual ice cream and powder blending facility at its Jerome, Idaho campus.

This expansion marks the company’s strategic entry into the ice cream market, with a focus on premium, indulgent, and functional recipes offered in both bulk and novelty formats.

The new 183,000-square-foot plant, custom-designed to support the company’s ice cream business, will also house blending capabilities to provide custom formulations for both existing and new customers.

Construction is set to begin within the next two months, with substantial completion expected by early 2026 and full commercial production slated for May 2026.

 “The new facility will not only broaden our product offerings but also enhance our ability to deliver custom solutions to our clients,” John Murphy, Vice President of Operations at Idaho Milk Products, stated.

He emphasized that the project is a natural extension of Idaho Milk Products’ vertically integrated model, which ensures consistent and high-quality dairy ingredients.

Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, explained that the decision to enter the ice cream market was driven by the company’s commitment to adding incremental value to its product stream.

“We have the freshest, best quality cream in the market, and this project is a testament to our dedication to leveraging our resources for the benefit of our customers,” Quinn said.

CEO Daragh Maccabee reinforced the company’s commitment to its core business of Milk Protein Concentrates (MPC) and Isolates (MPI), while also embracing new opportunities to add value to its milk products.

“Our vision for this plant is to build on the strength of our existing business, leveraging our Milk Innovation Center, our R&D team, and the unique synergies that this expansion will create,” Maccabee added.

The new facility, located in Idaho’s Magic Valley, has received strong support from both the City of Jerome and the State of Idaho, underscoring the collaborative spirit that has characterized the project from its inception.

Idaho Milk Products is owned by local Idaho dairy farmers and is renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in milk processing.

With this expansion, Idaho Milk Products aims to create one of the world’s most sustainable ice cream businesses, further solidifying its position as a global leader in the dairy industry.

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