TRENOS SiGINT – Daisy Lab Takes Lactoferrin Leap

JC – Analyst 12 May 2025 2 min read

Summary:New Zealand-based precision fermentation firm Daisy Lab has achieved multi-gram per litre production yields of bovine lactoferrin in yeast—far surpassing the 0.02–0.2g/L found in cow's milk. This opens the door to commercial-scale production of bioidentical lactoferrin for infant formula, supplements, and functional food. Traditional purification is costly and inconsistent, whereas Daisy Lab's method offers sustainable, animal-free supply with high precision and yield.

Key Drivers:

• Growing global demand for immune-boosting and bioactive ingredients

• Infant nutrition sector rapidly embracing precision fermentation

• High cost and inconsistency of traditional dairy-derived lactoferrin

• Sustainability shift in dairy sector + support for biotech integrations

Signal Sources:

• Irina Miller (CEO, Daisy Lab) public statement

• NZ EPA approval for GMO yeast fermentation (May 2024)

• Grandview Research: Lactoferrin market forecast US$486.7M by 2030

• FoodNavigator: Downstream costs in precision fermentation ~70%

TRENOS Metrics Snapshot: Daisy Lab’s Precision Fermentation Milestone

Metric	Value	Note
Global Lactoferrin Market	$297M (2024)	Projected to reach $486.7M by 2030
Dairy Yield Comparison	>10g/L	Daisy Lab’s yeast yield vs cow’s milk: 0.02–0.2g/L
Infant Formula Demand	Strong	Major application for lactoferrin; China & SEA leading growth
Downstream Cost Ratio	~70%	Typical % of cost in fermentation processes; Daisy Lab aims to reduce
Regulatory Status (NZ)	EPA Approved	Greenlight for GMO yeast in contained use (May 2024)
Competitive Entrants	4+ key players	Includes TurtleTree, Helaina, All G Foods

Link to PFN News Story