Baby milk brand used to wean Prince Louis in ‘advanced discussions’ to help formula shortage in USA

A Lake District-based baby milk maker is in “advanced discussions” to become the first international manufacturer to export significant quantities of non-medicated infant formula to the USA to help address the ongoing shortage in the country.

Kendal Nutricare, which makes Kendamil, is in talks with the FDA to take part of President Joe Biden’s ‘Operation Fly Formula’ scheme.

The Queen’s Award winner started discussions after chief executive Ross McMahon met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson at an event at 10 Downing Street earlier this month.

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The company’s factory in Kendal is capable of producing in the region of 10 million cans of 900g formula per year though today it is operating at about 50% of its total capacity.

However, because of “exponential demand” from the UK, Europe, Asia and now the US, plans are in place to more than double the site’s capacity by 2024.

Kendal Nutricare said it expects to ship 100 trucks to the USA over the next six months.

Kendamil first received international recognition when it was reported that the Royal family had elected to wean Prince Louis using the formula.

Mr McMahon said: “We have received the call for assistance from the FDA and Kendamil stands ready to act.

“The urgency of the situation and scale of the US opportunity will justify Kendal Nutricare doubling our capacity for Kendamil by 2024, increasing British dairy exports from Cumbria, creating more local jobs and providing long-term security for British dairy farmers.”

Kendal Nutricare said that it expects to meet the needs of at least 150,000 US households during the import period.

Mr McMahon added: “The relationship between the UK and USA is very strong and we look forward to bringing the highest-quality formula to US parents, while supporting British jobs, local farming and organic dairy.”