Darigold expands global operations: “We see increased demand for protein & dairy products,” says Senior Vice President

03 Aug 2018 --- Darigold Inc. reports it is expanding its global customer service and long-term commitment to growth in international markets. The company is creating an overseas sales, service and distribution network to strengthen its valued international relationships. So far, Darigold has opened offices in Mexico City, Singapore and Shanghai, and reportedly expects to expand to more countries soon. Darigold projects it will grow from serving roughly 20 countries today to serve 40 or more countries in the future.

The company will also offer more in-depth product customization capabilities along with solutions tailored for customer and country-specific needs. Currently, more than 40 percent of Darigold farm milk production goes into export products and Darigold expects that to surpass 50 percent in coming years, in addition to overall farm production growth.

Customer needs and expectations for more personalized service and technically advanced solutions are increasing rapidly with rising global demand and developing world incomes. Customers expect a long-term, sustainable supply source through direct relationships with sophisticated suppliers. Given the sustainable nature of Northwest agriculture, Darigold’s coastal proximity to global ports, and its owners’ long-term commitment to excellence, Darigold is well positioned to serve these expanding needs.

While Darigold will maintain its headquarters in Seattle, it is hiring employees overseas to support the development and expansion of its international network to connect Northwest dairy to the rest of the world.

Jonathan Spurway, Senior Vice President of the Ingredients Division at Darigold, tells FoodIngredientsFirst: “We see increased global demand for the unique quality, nutrition and taste of Northwest dairy products; and to address this, we decided to build our team internally to have a more direct relationship with our international customers and create a more efficient supply chain.”

“These locations were selected based on demand and forecasted growth. For example, currently, Mexico represents Darigold’s largest export market, as such, it makes sense to ensure we have a local team in that market.”

“With increasing demand for healthy sources of protein for infants and aging populations in the developing world, we forecast growing demand for dairy products including skim milk powder and whey protein,” notes Spurway. “In addition, customer needs and expectations for more personalized service and technically advanced solutions are increasing rapidly with rising global demand and developing world incomes.”

“In general, the global demand for dairy is increasing as the consumer preference for dairy products grows. For example, US exports of skim milk powder to South Asia increased from 2013 to 2016 by about 45 percent. Over the same time period, US exports of skim milk powder to Mexico also grew by about 30 percent,” he explains.

For Darigold, sustainability is a strategic commitment: “From stewardship of cows and land to reducing environmental impacts and improving social value, sustainability is an important commitment and part of our strategy,” Spurway adds.

“In addition, we have continued to devote considerable time, effort and resources to environmental improvement. Over the last four years, we have developed a sophisticated energy conservation program that is now fully operative at both our corporate level and in every one of our plants,” he says.

“We are excited to expand with new in-house international capabilities and better serve our customers worldwide through a direct network,” Darigold President and CEO, Stan Ryan states. “With an expanded global team, Darigold can fully realize the potential of providing northwest dairy products’ unique sustainability, quality, nutrition and taste to the world.”

“Long term, we also envision adding a presence in the Middle East. This expansion of Darigold’s capabilities reinforces its position as a leading global ingredients provider and sets the company on a path for continued growth,” Spurway concludes.

By Elizabeth Green

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