JEROME, IDAHO — Milk protein supplier and dairy processor Idaho Milk Products revealed it plans to enter the ice cream market as part of “a significant broadening of its business,” highlighted by a new $200 million dual ice cream and powder blending facility. 

Construction on the 183,000-square-foot plant is scheduled to begin within two months and the company anticipates it will be operating at full commercial production by May 2026.

Idaho Milk Products shared that its strategy for ice cream will focus on premium indulgent and functional recipes, not only in bulk, but also in novelty formats.

Additionally, the company said its blending capabilities will support its ice cream business “and create capabilities to provide custom formulations to both existing and new customers.”

The leadership team at the Jerome, Idaho-based company said the new facility is “a natural extension of its existing model and has the potential to create one of the world’s most sustainable ice cream businesses.”

Chief executive officer Daragh Maccabee noted that Idaho Milk Products also remains committed to its core business of producing milk protein concentrates and isolates.

“At the same time, we constantly seek out new ways to add value to our milk, always doing so in a way that is sustainable for the longer term,” Maccabee said. “Our vision for this plant is to build on the strength of our existing business, leverage our Milk Innovation Center, the strength of our R&D team and the unique synergies that this business will create.”

Kevin Quinn, vice president of sales and marketing at Idaho Milk Products, said the commercial strategy involves adding incremental value to the company’s fresh, high-quality cream.

“The inclusion of a blending facility in the new plant creates new ways to service our customers and add to the benefits of our vertically integrated model,” Quinn said.