FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DAVISCO FOODS INTERNATIONAL OPENS EUROPEAN OFFICE

FUNCTIONAL FOODS MARKET CITED

Davisco Foods International a Le Sueur, Minnesota-based milk processing and whey fractions company announces the open of its first European sales and marketing office in Switzerland. The third-generation, family-owned company is the world leader in the production of whey and whey protein ingredients, which are used in the production of a wide range of nutraceuticals, infant formulas, and food products.

According to Marty Davis, general manager of Davisco Foods International's whey protein research, technology and production operations, Davisco will be the first U.S. whey manufacturer to establish an office in Europe. "European customers are utilizing and demanding whey proteins for the functional food markets across the continent, Europe represents a significant potential export market for our whey proteins."

The new office is located in Geneva, Switzerland under the direction of Marty Davis and managed by David Curta. Mr. Curta has relocated to Geneva from Davisco's Mexico City office.

Need for Bioactive Proteins, Other Health Concerns Fuel Davisco's Growth

Davisco is the recognized international leader in whey protein research, technology and production. Since 1991, Davisco has grown in sales from $50 million to $450 million. Much of that growth can be attributed to an increase in Davisco's cheese business and the company's transition from a milk processor to an ingredients company with a focus on whey protein for use as flavorings, additives or active ingredients in a variety of foods, pharmaceuticals and skin care products.

Davisco has cheese and whey fractions facilities in Le Sueur, Minnesota, a whey fractions facility in Lake Norden, South Dakota, a "state of the art", $62 million cheese and whey fractions facility (named "new plant of the year" in 1994 by Food Engineering) in Jerome, Idaho, and a whey fractions facility in Nicollet, Minnesota. Davisco Foods International produces approximately 500,000 pounds of cheese daily and is one of the largest suppliers of cheese to Kraft Foods. It produces approximately 10 million pounds of whey protein isolates annually.

For Further Information: David Curta
International Sales Manager
DAVISCO FOODS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
tel- +41-22-344-5651
fax- +41-22-344-5659
david.curta@daviscofoods.com


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