Kentucky’s Meridian Biotech Partners with Buffalo Trace to Repurpose Distillery Waste into Protein

Meridian Biotech has partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery to repurpose distillery waste into alternative proteins, with plans to construct a $40 million production facility in Franklin County, Kentucky. The facility will create up to 35 technical and high-wage positions and focus on converting stillage into functional protein ingredients for various sectors, including pet food manufacturing and organic fertilizer production.

The collaboration reflects a shift in how distillery waste can be utilized, with Meridian Biotech President Brandon Corace stating that reimagining stillage as a resource rather than a byproduct has the potential to transform the spirits industry. Governor Andy Beshear praised the development for supporting job creation and resource efficiency, highlighting the exciting new pathways for sustainability within Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Construction is set to begin later this year, marking the first biotechnological facility in Franklin County to focus on distillery waste applications.

Local officials, including Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Franklin County Judge Michael Mueller, welcomed the project as part of broader regional efforts to attract advanced manufacturing and biotechnology investment. The presence of Meridian Biotech is expected to significantly boost the community and showcase Frankfort as an ideal location for innovative businesses.