KANSAS CITY — Dairy Farmers of America (D.F.A.) has invested in MOPRO Nutrition, L.L.C., maker of high-protein, low-sugar whole milk Greek yogurt infused with whey protein and probiotics. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2016 and named for its “more protein” quality, MOPRO positions itself as a better-for-you replacement for protein bars, protein shakes and traditional Greek yogurt. MOPRO Greek yogurt is available in a vanilla flavor and is made with six ingredients: pasteurized whole milk, whey protein isolate, non-G.M.O. soy lecithin, organic blue agave syrup, vanilla extract and live and active cultures.
Each 5.3-oz cup of MOPRO Greek yogurt contains 24 grams of protein, 13 grams of which come from Provon 292 whey protein isolate, made by Glanbia Nutritionals via its cross-flow microfiltration (C.F.M.) process. C.F.M. is a natural, non-chemical process that uses proprietary membrane techniques to create a highly pure undenatured whey protein isolate, MOPRO said.
“As a farmer-owned cooperative, D.F.A. is continuously looking for innovative ways to bring dairy to consumers, and this investment in MOPRO reflects that commitment,” said Monica Massey, senior vice-president and chief of staff at D.F.A. “We think there’s a lot of growth potential with more natural, high-protein products and look forward to working with MOPRO to help make them a household brand.”
Through its partnership, MOPRO and D.F.A. will collaborate to increase product distribution and build brand awareness, D.F.A. said. The companies previously worked together during the 2018 Spring Accelerator program, a 90-day program sponsored by D.F.A. that helps accelerate and grow start-up businesses.
“I am excited to work with D.F.A. on a permanent basis,” said Michael Moran, founder of MOPRO. “We developed a nice relationship during the Accelerator program, and they share my vision for evolving the yogurt category and bringing the highest quality and innovative, fresh nutrition products to the marketplace.”