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Last year Vreugdenhil started supplying a new product, whole milk powder with a high free fat content (full cream milk powder high free fat), to various chocolate manufacturers in Europe. What is special about this type of whole milk powder is that it contains a higher level of free fat than standard whole milk powder. This composition provides higher spreadability and solubility. “As a result, this powder gives chocolate the fine, creamy mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” says Rob Verbeek, who, as Purchase and Sales Manager together with other colleagues, is responsible for the sale of milk powders to chocolate manufacturers in Europe.
Expensive cocoa butter
Normally, the cocoa butter in chocolate is responsible for that fine, creamy mouthfeel. “But cocoa butter is quite expensive, which is why chocolate manufacturers are interested in good and cheaper alternatives,” says Rob. Due to the special composition of the powder, it interacts well with cocoa powder. There is less protein around the fat globules, which allows them to bind better with other ingredients. By using whole milk powder with a high free fat content, the producer can use less of the relatively expensive cocoa butter. “This way, the company saves costs, while the quality and flavor experience of the chocolate remain unchanged,” says Commercial Director Gerben van Schaik.
Vreugdenhil is selling more and more milk powders to major multinationals in Europe and Asia, such as Nestlé. Gerben: “Nestlé is currently using skimmed milk powder in their well-known KitKat® chocolate bar. An additional advantage of doing business with large multinationals like Nestlé is that they invest heavily in sustainability. The great thing is that Vreugdenhil has been able to join in on this.” Nestlé and Vreugdenhil are working together on the Tomorrow’s Dairy program, to reduce CO2 emissions. “Together, we can now make great strides in the area of sustainability,” says Rob, who is also in discussions with other multinationals about sustainability projects.
“Vreugdenhil is more often active in niche markets, because with our various production locations and knowledge and experience, we can respond well to specific customer requirements."
Gerben van Schaik, Commercial Director
“Vreugdenhil is more often active in niche markets, because with our various production locations and knowledge and experience, we can respond well to specific customer requirements. Niche markets are therefore very attractive to us, as they allow us to better valorize the milk.”
Drying towers in Putten
The location in Putten is ideally suited for the production of special products. The drying towers there are relatively small compared to those at the other locations. Rob: “In Putten, we can develop innovative products, such as this new milk powder. If the volume of this specialty product increases, it can then also be produced at Vreugdenhil’s other locations.”
Our products
At Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods, we produce a wide range of high-quality milk and hybrid powders, working closely with renowned dairy farmers from the Netherlands and Flanders. Our powders are found in kitchens worldwide, used in products such as ice cream, bread, yogurt, and chocolate. We also supply the infant nutrition and medical sectors and create tailor-made ingredients to meet your needs.
Discover our product overview.