Darigold, Inc., a leading dairy cooperatives, and Actus Nutrition, a US-based specialty ingredient manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership that combines Darigold's dairy production scale and Actus's specialty protein expertise to unlock new value across the commercial supply chain.

The partnership is built on two components, involving Darigold's facilities in Jerome, Idaho, and Sunnyside, Wash. In Jerome, Actus will purchase and assume operation of Darigold's milk protein plant with continued quality milk supply from Darigold's member-owners. In Sunnyside, Darigold will produce and supply high-value whey products to Actus under a long-term commercial agreement. Darigold will continue to own and operate the Sunnyside facility.

Together, these arrangements are designed to connect Darigold's members' milk to the large and growing premium specialty ingredients markets, preserve a long-term secure home for member-owners' milk, and support the employees who have built the Jerome facility.

The transition of the Jerome facility to Actus is expected to be completed by mid-June. No financial terms of the agreements have been disclosed.