NZMP, Fonterra's global ingredients and solutions brand, launched Pro-Optima, a Grade A functional whey protein concentrate (fWPC), with Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) and Three Mile Canyon Farms in a joint venture called Columbia River Technologies (CRT). This collaboration unifies Fonterra's dairy expertise with domestic U.S. supply to expand their delivery of ingredients for cultured applications.

NZMP's Pro-Optima fWPC is the first Grade A whey protein that enables unrivaled protein enhancement in cultured products, especially yogurt, unlocking a range of textures, according to the company. Suitable for a variety of applications in cultured products like spoonable yogurt, drinking yogurt, mousses, nutritional yogurt bars, and more, this whey protein concentrate is compatible with many of the brand's other health and wellness ingredients to deliver multi-functional benefits across many food and drink offerings.

"As one of the world's leading dairy co-operatives, brands rely on us to supply both the functional ingredients and formulation expertise they need to develop compelling new products that address current and future consumer needs," says Megan Patterson, Americas marketing communication manager at Fonterra. "Our Pro-Optima Grade A fWPC is a first to market functional whey protein concentrate made with US milk to fuel cultured product innovation. Pro-Optima enables new product formats and adds more nutritional value to existing formats to meet the needs of increasingly health conscious consumers."

NZMP is Fonterra's global dairy ingredients and solutions brand. NZMP ingredients are sold in more than 130 countries and can be found at the heart of some of the world's most famous food and nutrition brands. NZMP has one of the broadest ranges of ingredients in the dairy industry, providing hundreds of solutions to meet the needs of customers and consumers every day. Backed by Fonterra, NZMP draws on New Zealand's grass-fed farming heritage and expertise.

Fonterra is a global nutrition company.