Milei GmbH, owned by the Japanese dairy group Morinaga Milk Industry, stands as a leading global lactoferrin production center. This facility also leads in lactoferrin production capacity, a component widely used in infant formula, immune nutrition, and functional foods.

Milei GmbH - a center for the production and development of high-tech milk ingredients located in Germany. *Photo: Morinaga*

Established as a research and production center for high-tech milk ingredients, Milei boasts over four decades of development in the lactoferrin field. The plant's construction aligns with Morinaga Milk Industry's large-scale production investment strategy, aiming to meet the growing demands of the global nutrition market.

Industry reports for the 2024–2025 period indicate Milei is the top plant in global lactoferrin production, holding a 19,2% market share. The company achieved this by continuously expanding its capacity over several years. In 2019, lactoferrin production capacity reached approximately 70 tons per year. By 1/2021, the company increased its output to about 170 tons per year, more than doubling it in just two years.

Global lactoferrin production market share in 2025, according to Absolute Reports. *Source: Absolute Reports*

Beyond its production capacity, the plant is recognized for its high-purity lactoferrin. Milei produces lactoferrin from natural whey protein and fresh milk, utilizing an extraction system and modern GEA spray-drying process. This method maximizes the preservation of lactoferrin's biological activity, a crucial factor as lactoferrin is a protein highly sensitive to temperature and industrial processing.

This technological capability allows Milei's lactoferrin to meet stringent international standards, including GRAS in the US, Novel Food in Europe, and China's GB standards. These systems demand high levels of safety, purity, and applicability in nutritional products for young children.

The Milei plant is equipped with modern machinery systems. *Photo: Morinaga*

Morinaga Milk's long-standing development philosophy, a Japanese dairy group, underpins Milei's success. This philosophy centers on strong investment in scientific research and product quality. For many years, Morinaga has expanded research into natural bioactive components in milk, particularly lactoferrin, for use in nutritional and immune-boosting products.

Lactoferrin, a natural protein abundant in breast milk, supports immunity, inhibits harmful bacteria, and promotes gut health in young children. However, its high sensitivity to temperature and the difficulty in maintaining biological activity during production once made it a major challenge for the nutrition industry.

As early as the 1960s, Morinaga Milk Industry began in-depth research into lactoferrin to create immune-supporting nutritional formulas for children. For over 65 years, Morinaga has collaborated with international experts and organizations, publishing scientific findings on lactoferrin.

A milestone occurred in 1986 when Morinaga successfully incorporated lactoferrin into infant formula. This was achieved by developing extraction and production processes that preserved the nutrient's structure and biological activity. A brand representative stated this achievement is a significant milestone in pediatric nutrition, opening a path to closer access to the valuable nutrients found in breast milk.

Morinaga milk products containing lactoferrin as an ingredient. *Photo: Morinaga*

Amid increasing global demand for lactoferrin, especially in the Asian market, owning the world's number one capacity plant positions Morinaga and Milei as crucial players in the global supply chain for premium nutritional ingredients. This strategic advantage helps the company maintain its position in the high-tech dairy industry.

By Yen Chi

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