Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2009 - Dairying For Tomorrow

Whey products and casein
Whey is a by-product of the cheese
making process. Traditionally, this
product was disposed of in liquid
form. However, recognition of the
value of whey’s components has seen
the production and utilisation of whey
powders and protein concentrates increase
significantly in recent years.
Food-grade whey powder is used in the
manufacture of ice-cream, bakery products
(cakes, biscuits), chocolate flavouring,
infant formula, yogurt, beverages and
processed meat. Industrial uses include
animal feed (for pigs, horses and
poultry), calf milk replacer and even
as a carrier for herbicides.
Whey protein concentrates are used
in snack foods, juices, confectionery,
ice-cream, biscuits, processed meats,
(milk) protein drinks, desserts,
infant foods and dietetic products.
Products such as cosmetics, skin
creams, bath salts and detergents also
contain protein concentrates.
Approximately 20% of Australia’s
whey production is used domestically
in the manufacture of infant formula,
biscuits and ice-cream. The remainder
is exported. China, Singapore, the
Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia are
the largest export markets for Australian
whey powders in 2008/09.
Casein and caseinates are ingredients
in noodles, chocolate, sweets,
mayonnaise, ice-cream and cheese
manufacture. They are used as binding
ingredients, emulsifiers and milk
substitutes in processed foods.
Industrial uses of casein and caseinates
include: plastics (buttons, knitting
needles); the manufacture of synthetic
fibres and chemicals (plants, glues,
glazed paper, putty and cosmetics);
as a reinforcing agent and stabiliser
for rubber in automobile tyres;
a nutritional supplement and binder
in calf milk replacers; and a range
of other technical applications.
The majority of Australia’s production
of casein and caseinates is for export
markets. The US and Japan have been the
largest export markets in recent years.
Figure 23
Production and exports of whey products (tonnes)
Production
120,000
Exports
110,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
Tonnes
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2000/01
2001/02
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09(p)
32
Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2009
Source: Dairy manufacturers and ABS