Erie Foods International, Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer, processor, and exporter of high-quality dairy ingredients, headquartered in Erie, Illinois. Established in 1938, the company has evolved into a globally recognized leader in custom dairy ingredient solutions, supplying over 20 international markets with a strong focus on innovation, flexibility, and food safety compliance.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Erie Foods specializes in producing and processing a wide range of dairy ingredients for the food, beverage, and nutrition industries. Their product portfolio includes:
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Milk Proteins & Casein Products
- Casein
- Calcium and Sodium Caseinates
- Micellar Casein
- Milk Protein Isolate (MPI)
- Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC)
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Whey Proteins & Derivatives
- Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
- Native Whey
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Butter & Milkfat
- Anhydrous Milkfat (AMF)
- Cream-based dairy fats for formulations
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Cheese
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Colby
- Pepper Jack
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Lactose
- Edible-grade and pharmaceutical-grade lactose
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Dairy Blends & Functional Powders
- Custom dairy powder blends
- Extruded, agglomerated, and coated ingredients
These products serve as functional and nutritional components across a wide array of food applications, including nutritional supplements, snacks, bakery, dairy beverages, and foodservice.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Erie Foods differentiates itself through its:
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Custom Ingredient Processing Capabilities
- Extrusion
- Agglomeration
- Blending
- Grinding
- Coating
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Tailored Dairy Solutions
- Formulated blends for protein enrichment, emulsification, texturizing, and flavor enhancement
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Clean-Label and Nutritional Product Development
- High-protein, low-lactose, and functional ingredients for clean-label claims and dietary customization
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Global Export Expertise
- Proven supply chain experience in meeting international compliance standards, with deliveries to over 20 countries
This technical flexibility enables Erie Foods to meet complex formulation requirements while maintaining food safety and regulatory integrity.
Certifications and Quality Standards
Erie Foods operates under strict food safety and quality assurance programs. Their certifications and regulatory compliance include:
- USDA and FDA Registered Facility
- Grade A Certification
- Kosher Certified
- Halal Certified
- Third-Party GMP Compliance Audits
- FSSC 22000 or Equivalent Programs (for food safety and quality control)
These certifications enable Erie Foods to operate in highly regulated international markets including the EU, MENA, and Asia-Pacific.
Manufacturing and Technical Capabilities
Erie Foods combines traditional dairy processing with advanced ingredient technologies:
- Multiple Manufacturing Units – Dedicated to protein isolation, blending, and thermal processing
- Custom Pilot-Scale Testing and R&D – Supporting new product development and application testing
- Cold Chain Capabilities – For butter, cheese, and milkfat distribution
- Industrial Packaging Lines – Supporting bulk powders, 25kg bags, and retail-ready formats
Their investment in R&D and product customization allows the company to cater to both multinational food brands and specialized niche players.
Export and Global Distribution
Erie Foods is a significant exporter of U.S. dairy ingredients with a strong global footprint:
- Markets Served: Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe
- Export Share: Over 40% of production output is exported
- Dairy Export Council Member: Active member of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)
The company’s robust documentation and compliance systems support hassle-free global trade and market entry approvals.
Financial and Operational Insights
While privately held, Erie Foods demonstrates strong operational metrics:
- Years in Business: Over 85 years
- Employees: Approximately 200 across operations, R&D, sales, and logistics
- Annual Output: Estimated 10,000+ metric tons of dairy ingredient production
- Revenue Range Estimate: USD 50–75 million (based on export scope and processing capacity)
Its longevity and stability are bolstered by a customer-centric service model and adaptive manufacturing capacity.
Target Markets and Applications
Erie Foods serves a broad range of B2B segments and food categories:
- Infant and Adult Nutrition
- Functional Foods & Beverages
- Snacks and Bakery
- Processed Cheese & Dairy Applications
- Nutritional Supplements
- Confectionery & Ice Cream
- Private Label Manufacturing
Their ability to tailor specifications to meet functional, regulatory, and marketing needs ensures broad appeal to diverse customer profiles.
Major Achievements
- Over Eight Decades of Continuous Operation
- Global Recognition as a Custom Dairy Ingredient Processor
- Long-Term Partnerships with Global CPG Brands
- Expansion of Plant-Based Ingredient Applications through Innovative Blending
Their reputation for reliability, technical know-how, and customer focus has positioned Erie Foods as a preferred partner for both domestic and international buyers.
Market Reputation and Customer Feedback
Erie Foods is known for:
- Technical Expertise in Dairy Customization
- High Product Quality and Consistency
- Flexible Order Volumes and Lead Times
- Proactive Export and Documentation Support
Customer feedback highlights their collaborative approach, with a strong emphasis on solution-driven service and long-term relationship building.
Leadership and Contact
Key commercial contacts include:
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Daniel Butel – Commercial Manager (Butter & Cheese)
Email: daniel.butel@erieeurope.com -
Ryan Tranel – Marketing Manager
Email: rtranel@eriefoods.com
These representatives support client communication, product inquiries, and market-specific customizations, reinforcing Erie’s commitment to personalized service.
Erie Foods continues to innovate and expand, maintaining its legacy while evolving to meet modern food industry demands with functional, clean-label, and high-performance dairy solutions.