The popularity of oat drinks is growing – production capacity doubled at Fazer’s Koria factory
To meet the growing demand for oat drinks, Fazer invests in increasing production capacity. Fazer’s Koria factory doubled the production volume of oat drinks when the capacity expansion was put into operation in June. The acquisition of Trensums Food AB, located in Tingsryd in Sweden, further increases Fazer’s oat drink production capacity.
According to a study commissioned by Fazer1), oat drinks are gaining in popularity in Finland. 72% of Finns use plant-based drinks at least on a monthly basis. That is a 7 per cent increase from the previous year. Consumers are interested in plant-based food in general: 63% would like to eat more plant-based food than they currently do.
“Oat drinks have become favourites for many different kinds of consumers and are no longer a marginal phenomenon. There is no difference in consumption between men and women, and oat drinks have found their way into the shopping baskets of consumers of all ages. These products are also used increasingly widely in families with children. Key drivers for using oat drinks are the sustainability of the products, the willingness to try something new and desire for change, and above all the delicious and mild taste of the products,” says Fazer’s Non-dairy Marketing Director Lauri Vesala.
Fazer invests in the production of oat drinks
Fazer’s Koria factory produces for example Fazer Aito Oat Drink products that can be used for several purposes in the same way as milk. All Fazer Aito Oat Drinks are made from Finnish oats.
“As the demand for oat drinks is growing, we decided to make additional investments in the oat drink production at our Koria factory. The expansion completed at the beginning of June will ease the oat processing and double our capacity. The increased production capacity will create a foundation for broadening the selection of oat-based products and improve our competitiveness,” says VP Kati Rajala, responsible for Fazer’s Non-Dairy and Dairy Business.
The Koria factory capacity expansion was completed on schedule despite the unstable geopolitical situation. The project has a positive local impact because new personnel have been recruited and trained to work at the factory.
“Fazer is a forerunner in innovating and manufacturing oat products, and we invest heavily in R&D in all our businesses. I believe that in the future all dairy products will have a plant-based equivalent,” Rajala continues.
In addition to Koria, Fazer also produces oat drinks in Tingsryd, Sweden. The acquisition of Trensums Food AB was completed in February 2022. It is part of Fazer’s strategy to increase the share of plant-based products, in where oat drinks play a significant role. Fazer is a strong player in the Nordic oat product market and aims to establish its position in Central Europe as well. Tingsryd in Southern Sweden is ideally located for exports to Central Europe.
Fazer Aito Oat Drink has a small carbon footprint
In addition to a pleasant taste and versatility, the popularity of oat drinks is explained by their small impact on the climate.
According to a study commissioned by Fazer2), oat drinks are a good choice for the environment. Fazer Aito Oat Drink has a small carbon footprint for a food product: 0.23 kg CO2e/kg. All greenhouse gas emissions from the production and transport of the raw materials, oat drink and its package are accounted for in the calculation. The amount is equivalent to the emissions from electricity consumption needed to use a filter coffee machine for three hours.
1) Nepa Shopper Study December 2021, Finland n=1,008, Sweden n=1,009, Norway n=1,004, Denmark n=1,001.
2) Summary report: Carbon footprint of oat drink, Oy Karl Fazer Ab/ LCA Consulting 2021.
Further information:
Anniina Niemistö, Communications Director, Fazer Lifestyle Foods, anniina.niemisto@fazer.com, +358 40 674 4672
The Fazer media phone is open Mon–Fri from 8 am to 4 pm, tel. +358 40 6682 998, e-mail media@fazer.com.
Fazer Group
Fazer, The Food Experience Company, enables people to enjoy the best moments of their day. Our mission, Food with a purpose, builds on our strong 130-year heritage, consumer first approach and innovations to create the sustainable food solutions of the future. With our dedicated team of professionals, we focus on fast-moving consumer goods and our direct-to-consumer business in the Nordics, Baltics, and beyond with exports to some 40 different countries. Fazer’s operations comply with its Code of Conduct that is based on the Group’s values and the UN Global Compact. In 2021, Fazer Group had net sales of 1.1 billion euros and employed approximately 8,000 people.
Northern Magic. Made Real.
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