Lactalis invests US$55M in U.S. cheese market expansion to boost Feta production

USA – Lactalis is actively expanding its presence in the U.S. cheese market with a substantial investment of US$55 million into its Tulare, California facility. 

The expansion aims to meet growing consumer demand for feta cheese, particularly under the company’s well-known Président brand. 

The project includes a new 38,000-square-foot manufacturing line that began partial operations earlier this year and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. 

In addition to boosting feta production, the expansion will create significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 100 contract roles during construction and 20 full-time positions once the project is complete. 

Esteve Torrens, CEO of Lactalis’ U.S. operations, highlighted the importance of the expansion for meeting increased demand from American consumers and retailers​

Lactalis acquired the Tulare facility as part of its 2020 purchase of several Kraft Heinz cheese assets. 

This plant produces a range of dairy products, including Kraft Parmesan, Kraft sweet whey powder, and Knudsen Cottage Cheese and Sour Cream, contributing to Lactalis’ robust U.S. market footprint. 

The Tulare expansion is part of Lactalis’ larger strategic investments across North and South America; the company recently announced a US$3.2 million investment in one of its facilities in Colombia, aimed at increasing capacity to support its regional growth ambitions. 

However, it has also made some strategic cutbacks, such as the decision to close a factory in Romania that was part of its 2016 acquisition of Covalact​

Globally, Lactalis reported revenues of US$32 billion in 2023, marking a 4.3% increase in sales. Its diverse portfolio includes 39% revenue from cheese, followed by 19% from milk, 15% from chilled dairy products, and the remainder from butters, creams, and nutritional ingredients. 

Further diversifying its offerings, Lactalis Ingredients recently launched a high-protein beverage concept targeting the “healthy aging” market, responding to the growing demand among seniors and active individuals for convenient, nutritious options. 

This new drink offers a protein content of 10.3% and features a caramel flavor, emphasizing both nutrition and taste​

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