JEROME, IDAHO — Milk protein supplier and dairy processor Idaho Milk Products will mark its forthcoming arrival in the ice cream market with a groundbreaking at the site of its new plant.

Billed as the company’s sustainable ice cream and powder blending plant, the $200 million project will allow Idaho Milk Products to produce premium indulgent and functional ice cream recipes – in bulk and novelty formats.

Ahead of the Oct. 11 groundbreaking, the dairy manufacturer said the facility will feature “advanced blending capabilities” and the company will offer custom formulations tailored to specific needs of its customers.

“This groundbreaking event marks the beginning of a new chapter in our continued commitment to make better food possible,” said Idaho Milk Products chief executive officer Daragh Maccabee.

The facility is expected to have the capacity to produce about 14 million gallons of ice cream mix per year into various frozen formats, said Idaho Milk Products ice cream business manager Louis Armstrong.

“We will be able to produce a variety of novelty products, including sandwiches and stick bars and have the capability of producing various carton sizes from less than a pint to half a gallon,” Armstrong said. “We intend to co-manufacture various ice cream products in partnership with brands or retailer’s needs.”

The plant is expected to be operating at full commercial production by May 2026.