24 Mar 2016 --- FrieslandCampina DMV has started to supply a range of high protein shakes to all the elite athletes of TeamNL of the NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee). The company has developed two types of protein products: whey and casein. Since February 2016, a group of 550 selected athletes, including the Team NL team, have been using FrieslandCampina DMV’s dairy proteins, Nutri Whey 800I and Excellion Calcium Caseinate, to support their performance.

The company’s high protein sport nutrition products are supporting the preparations for Rio de Janeiro in August, though the partnership goes beyond being a supplier as it is co-developed with NOC*NSF. Supplied across the board to TeamNL, the A + B Status athletes and the upcoming potentials, FrieslandCampina DMV offers a neutral product with a maximum of three ingredients.

Diderik Moerdijk, Marketing Director of FrieslandCampina DMV (pictured) tells NutritionInsight: “The athletes can incorporate and adjust their intake to their own dietary needs. The combination of protein shakes is quite versatile, whether they require quick or longer-term recovery and enhanced performance. The casein and whey used in these products have a good sensory profile and it is not necessary to mask any off flavors. Therefor we offered a neutral variant next to 3 flavored products.”

With the number of ingredients kept to a minimum to ensure a clean, safe and reliable product, the high protein products provide a base that can be adapted according to dietary needs. “For all consumers, but specifically for elite athletes, it’s vital that they can trust that their food source is doping-free, and consistent in quality and composition,” Moerdijk explains. “That is what we offer and our organization is aligned to safeguard these products and support the athletes with information.”

FrieslandCampina DMV is working closely with the nutritionists and the chef at the Dutch Olympic Center in Papendal in order to provide information to the athletes. By connecting through multiple platforms and media, such as information sessions, brochures and newsletters, the athletes are supported in their use of the products. “The athletes recognize the benefit of the program and are very enthusiastic to start using these high protein shakes,” Moerdijk adds. “The formulation fits perfectly in their preparation to Rio and diet as an athlete.”

Sufficient and high quality protein, well-dosed during the day is crucial in boosting performance to the levels that elite athletes require. The high protein shakes are offered as powdered products, bagged and provided with certificates of being doping-free, making it easier for traveling athletes to use the products on the road. “Also in countries where there is no daily fresh dairy available, you can easily dissolve the supplement in mineral water and still have an excellent product which you’re used to and which you know how your body responds to,” says Moerdijk. “This is why we also started ahead of the games, so the athletes don’t only have the benefit of incorporating the proteins in their diet during their preparations, but they also know how the body responds to these products.”

For NOC*NSF, FrieslandCampina DMV developed high protein sports nutrition, but Willem Hoogwater, Commercial Director at FrieslandCampina DMV sees potential in the market for development of not only high quality protein products, but in a combination of nutrients. This can be relevant for every consumer looking into health. Protein is known for its benefits for recovery, but also other health benefits can be addressed. A combination of nutrients could not only support muscle protein synthesis, but also supports mobility in an integral way.

With the collaboration, FrieslandCampina DMV claims to deliver a high quality product with a good sensory profile that supports recovery and performance. Hoogwater says: “Now it’s a matter of waiting for the first feedback of athletes who incorporated the supplements into their diet and see their performance improve. We’re looking forward to that, there’s a lot of enthusiasm and there’s been a lot of effort put in designing these products specifically for the athletes. We’re enjoying the ride and looking forward to seeing the benefits of the work.”

The ultimate potential for these products goes beyond elite athletes, however. With the company noting the market in performance nutrition is developing, they have the ambition to grow in Performance Nutrition and consider this is an excellent opportunity to show their dedication.

By Liesbeth Thijssen