Agropur's Glycomacropeptide Wins Breakthrough Award for Dairy Ingredient Innovation

GMP is a casein-derived protein fraction produced during the cheesemaking process. In 2016, Agropur introduced high purity whey protein isolate with more than 95% of the total protein in GMP form. No similar ingredient commercially available reaches the same purity.

"To our knowledge, only one other dairy ingredient company manufactures a whey protein concentrate with 60% GMP," said Anand Rao, vice president of research and development, Agropur Ingredients. "GMP extends our protein's reach to pharmaceutical applications."

GMP is an ideal dietary tool for people with phenylketonuria, a birth defect that inhibits the body from digesting the amino acid phenylalanine. People with phenylketonuria have to follow diets that restrict phenylalanine ingestion, leading to difficulty consuming enough protein. Agropur GMP's high purity results in just 1-2 milligrams of phenylalanine per gram of protein, making it highly functional for phenylketonuria-friendly products. So, phenylketonuria patients can safely follow a nutritious, high-protein diet.   

"We are incredibly honored to receive this award from Dairy Foods and the American Dairy Products Institute," said Doug Simon, president of Agropur U.S. Operations. "As a global leader in protein isolation, Agropur is well-suited to formulate more innovative products like GMP for years to come." 

Agropur's highly pure GMP also has applications in the dental industry. GMP's properties protect against tooth decay and plaque formation, so it's an ideal ingredient to be used in dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

Agropur started producing GMP at its award-winning Jerome, Idaho facility in December. The product is already being used in commercial formulations.

ABOUT AGROPUR
Agropur Cooperative is a North American dairy industry leader founded in 1938. With sales of nearly $6.0 billion in 2016, the Cooperative is a source of pride to its 3,345 members and 8,000 employees. Agropur processes more than 13 billion pounds of milk per year at its 39 plants across North America and boasts an impressive roster of brands and products. Agropur Inc. is a subsidiary of Agropur Cooperative.

SOURCE Agropur