European Protein taps Southeast Asian market with local feed additives facility in Malaysia

MALAYSIA – European Protein is solidifying its commitment to Southeast Asia with a new manufacturing plant in Malaysia, aimed at delivering eco-friendly, high-value animal feed closer to its growing regional customer base.

The Danish company, known for its lacto-fermented protein products for livestock and poultry, has partnered with Malaysian animal solutions provider Yenher Holdings to establish the facility. 

The collaboration was officially launched at the MAHA 2024 trade fair and represents a major shift from European Protein’s previous supply chain model, which relied on long-distance shipping from Europe.

“We’ve replicated the same setup in Malaysia as we’ve done in other regions- we provide the expertise, while our local partners handle operations and sales,” said Thomas Pedersen, Sales Director of European Protein, during VIV Asia 2025. 

“Since Yenher already has a strong foothold in the market, it makes perfect sense to tap into their existing distribution channels. This not only helps us localise but also significantly cuts down transportation costs and delivery times.”

Previously, customers in Southeast Asia waited up to 60 days for shipments from Denmark. By producing locally, European Protein expects to slash delivery times and freight costs, boosting its competitiveness in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond.

The Malaysian facility is currently under construction and will launch with an initial drying capacity of 30,000 tons per year.

Plans are already in place to quadruple capacity to 120,000 tons annually in line with projected demand.

“Even when we shipped from Denmark, we were still able to compete with local suppliers on both price and quality. With this new facility, we’ll be even more cost-effective,” Mr. Pedersen added.

This local production initiative not only brings logistical advantages but also supports Malaysia’s broader goal of incorporating palm-based ingredients into animal nutrition. 

Exploring novel ingredients

European Protein is actively exploring the use of palm kernel cake, traditionally fed to ruminants, as a novel protein source for poultry and young animals.

“Palm kernel cake has traditionally been underutilised and mostly fed to ruminants. But we see a huge opportunity to upgrade it into a more suitable feed for young animals, including poultry,” said Mr. Pedersen.

By applying its fermentation technology, the company aims to enhance the digestibility and nutritional value of palm kernel cake, transforming it into a sustainable alternative to soy and rapeseed in animal diets. 

This effort could help Malaysia move from research-based applications of palm products to scalable commercial use in animal feed.

Animal health remains at the core of European Protein’s mission, with a strong focus on gut health. 

“Our priority is to offer healthier feed alternatives. Our fermented soy and rapeseed products have been especially beneficial for young animals and laying hens,” Mr. Pedersen emphasised.

With a robust regional presence, an expanding portfolio of sustainable feed solutions, and an eye on innovation, European Protein’s move into Malaysia signals a long-term investment in Southeast Asia’s livestock sector.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.