US dairy major Land O’Lakes is to invest in a site in California as part of the co-op’s efforts to tap into demand for protein.

The company is spending $34m at its facility in Tulare to “help meet increasing demand for dairy ingredients”, Heather Anfang, the president of dairy foods at Land O’Lakes, said.

The investment will mean the Tulare site will produce ultra-filtered milk as an ingredient for Land O’Lakes’ customers. Anfang said the site already produces branded butter and milk powders for retail, foodservice and industrial clients.

Construction is expected to take place through to the end of the year, “with the goal of ramping up production in Q1 2027”, she added.

“At a time when protein is reshaping how consumers eat and how the food system operates, this investment positions Land O’Lakes, our Tulare facility and our farmer-owners to lead,” Anfang said. “We are continuing to build a more resilient, growth-oriented dairy business while creating new demand for member milk and laying the groundwork for long-term opportunity.”

Asked if the investment will lead to new, full-time jobs at the Tulare plant, Anfang said the project “is expected to result in a headcount increase, which will be shared as plans are finalised”.

Land O’Lakes, which is backed by around 1,100 farmer members, has 140 manufacturing and distribution facilities across the US.