US – Glanbia Nutritionals, a nutritional subsidiary of Glanbia Plc has acquired Sterling Technology, a South Dakota-based manufacturer of dairy bioactive solutions derived from bovine colostrum, for US$60 million-plus deferred consideration.
The acquisition gives Glanbia a major presence in the bovine colostrum market and the acquisition has expanded its presence within the immunity and gut health spaces.
Last year, nutrition company Pantheryx spotlighted colostrum as a functional food for gut health and well-being. According to one of their experts, colostrum oligosaccharides can act as prebiotics that feeds beneficial microbes within the gut.
Scientifically, Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals’ mammary glands that has a higher dietary value than mature milk. It contains a lower fat and carbohydrate content and has fewer calories than mature milk.
The ingredient can also support immune function, gut health, and the gut microbiome, with a high concentration of beneficial nutrients, vitamins and bioactive compounds that ensure newborn mammals receive the nutrition they need in early life.
Glanbia Nutritionals CEO Brian Phelan notes: “The acquisition of Sterling Technology enhances our bioactive solutions portfolio to support our customers’ needs and growth ambitions.”
“We are looking forward to bringing on board the Sterling team and their expertise with this highly beneficial ingredient.”
The acquisition comes at a time when the global bovine colostrum market is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing demand for functional foods.
Transparency Market Research (TMR) projects the global bovine colostrum market’s value which stood at US$ 2.6 Billion in 2019 to reach US$ 4.3 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%.
The market research attributes the growth to increasing awareness about the health benefits of colostrum, increasing use in functional foods and beverages, and the increasing use of colostrum as an ingredient in animal nutraceutical products.
Recently, Glanbia acquired PacMoore Processing Technologies, Mooresville, Ind., as well as its R&D facility in Gridley, Ill., for US$53 million. PacMoore specializes in extrusion, spray-drying, and blending.
The company also recently flagged the beginning of work on its €200 million (US$ 211.43M) new cheese factory in Co. Kilkenny, which is expected to be operational in 2024.
The project had been stopped over a legal dispute for a number of years with An Taisce arguing granting planning permission went against the government’s policy on climate action.
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