Company Says Non-Dairy Cheese Won't Threaten Producers
Editor:
A recent Cargill announcement regarding the launch of an ingredient for use in making non-dairy cheese product has raised concerns by a number of our customers which I would like to address. The product, called Lygomme ACH Optimum, is designed to replace the functionality of casein in imitation cheese applications.
Cargill developed Lygomme ACH Optimum for food manufacturers who already are making imitation cheese. It meets a specific nutritional need for those who cannot consume dairy products, and helps food manufacturers address challenges within the current casein supply chain, which in the U.S. is imported. Lygomme ACH Optimum is one of a wide array of food innovations developed by Cargill to meet specific customer needs.
Nevertheless, a number of our dairy customers have expressed concern that this new product will threaten their dairy businesses. I want to assure all of our dairy customers that this is not the case. Cargill has a substantial and long history of investing in the success of dairy producers here in the United States as well as globally. Our work with dairy producers is core to our Animal Nutrition business, and the success of these operations depends on meeting the needs of the dairy producers we serve.
“Cargill remains committed to the dairy industry and has a significant stake in its success,” says Joe Stone, president of Cargill Animal Nutrition. “These efforts range from introducing cholesterol-reducing plant sterols into dairy products to enhance their marketability, to helping specialty cheese makers increase cheese productivity through specialized culture systems, to helping dairy producers enhance their dairy animals’ productivity through a patented nutrition management system. As a longstanding and active member in number of dairy councils nationally and internationally, we are committed to the success of the dairy industry and continue to closely collaborate with our dairy partners to help advance their growth and success.”
Cargill is a longstanding and active member in number of dairy councils and associations nationally and internationally, including the International Dairy Foods Association. In short, we are committed to the success of dairy producers and will continue to closely collaborate with you as a partner in helping advance the growth and success of the dairy industry.
— Rob Sheffer
Regional General Manager, Cargill
