Finnish Food Factory: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Finnish Food Factory is an innovative contract manufacturer based in Kouvola, Finland, specializing in plant-based dairy alternatives. Founded in 2018, this company has rapidly evolved to become a key player in the Nordic and global markets, partnering with prominent brands such as Fazer. Its focus on utilizing high-quality Finnish plant-based ingredients—particularly oats and peas—aligns with the rising global demand for sustainable, eco-friendly food products. Aside from manufacturing, Finnish Food Factory engages in co-development and innovation with its clients, shaping the future of plant-based foods. The following points delve into the factory’s unique attributes, growth, products, sustainable practices, and partnership strategies that distinguish it in the food industry.

1. Origin and Founding

Finnish Food Factory was established in 2018 in Kouvola, Finland, originally under the name Kouvolan Herkku. It operates as a contract manufacturer focusing exclusively on plant-based dairy products. The company draws on decades of experience in food manufacturing, with leadership rooted deeply in the Nordic food industry. Its founders aimed to produce sustainable, high-quality, and innovative plant-based alternatives leveraging Finland’s pristine natural ingredients. Over the years, Finnish Food Factory has refined its operations to meet increasing consumer demand for dairy-free options, positioning itself as a pioneer in the Nordic bioeconomy.

2. Product Range and Innovation

The company manufactures a wide spectrum of plant-based products designed to cater to diverse tastes and uses. Its portfolio includes oat- and pea-based drinks, spoonable yogurts, cooking creams, protein drinks, sauces, spreads, coffee, cocoa and tea-based beverages, as well as meal replacement drinks. Finnish Food Factory employs state-of-the-art technology to ensure these products maintain delicious flavors and long shelf lives. The factory’s flexible contract manufacturing model enables clients to collaborate closely on product development, offering tailored solutions that meet specific functional, nutritional, and sensory requirements.

3. Commitment to Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

Sustainability is central to Finnish Food Factory’s operations. The factory runs on 100% carbon-neutral electricity from renewable sources, underscoring its commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Product packaging is carefully chosen to be fully recyclable, user-friendly, and stylish, reflecting the company’s ethos to leave a mark on hearts rather than the environment. By focusing on Finnish raw materials like oats, which have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional animal dairy, the company supports a greener food system while contributing to biodiversity and natural resource preservation.

4. Rapid Growth and Market Expansion

Since its inception, Finnish Food Factory has witnessed impressive growth. The company’s turnover soared from approximately €1.2 million in 2020 to an estimated €13.5 million in 2024—a more than tenfold increase in just four years. This expansion is fueled by a broad and loyal customer base, including regional and international brands seeking reliable, high-quality production partners in plant-based foods. The infusion of €10 million from Taaleri Bioindustry Fund I in 2025 aims to further accelerate capacity-building and global market reach, positioning the factory for long-term success in a competitive sector.

5. The Strategic Role of Finnish Ingredients

Finnish Food Factory places particular importance on sourcing native Finnish ingredients such as oats and peas, prized for their quality and sustainability credentials. Oat-based products, in particular, have become the cornerstone of the company’s offerings. Using local raw materials ensures supply chain transparency, supports regional agriculture, and reduces transportation emissions. This strategic sourcing distinguishes Finnish Food Factory in the plant-based market, emphasizing authentic Nordic heritage and pure natural elements in every product.

6. Contract Manufacturing and Customer Collaboration

The company’s business model centers on contract manufacturing and co-innovation. Finnish Food Factory acts as an extension of its clients’ production capacity, enabling brands to outsource manufacturing with confidence in product excellence and timely delivery. Customers work alongside Finnish Food Factory’s expert teams to develop, customize, and optimize plant-based product formulations. This partnership-driven approach fosters creativity and responsiveness to market trends, allowing clients to bring innovative products to consumers quickly and efficiently.

7. Quality and Food Safety Standards

Ensuring product safety and high quality is paramount at Finnish Food Factory. Its production processes comply with the FSSC 22000 quality management system, recognized internationally for food safety and traceability. The company rigorously monitors ingredient selection focusing on ethical origin and ecological methods, maintaining strict standards throughout manufacturing. This commitment guarantees that all products not only meet regulatory requirements but also uphold the premium expectations of their customers and end consumers.

8. Packaging Innovation and User Experience

Finnish Food Factory prioritizes environmentally friendly packaging that is fully recyclable after use. Utilizing advanced materials and formats like Tetra Pak’s Prisma Aseptic Edge cartons, the packaging also focuses on aesthetic appeal and user comfort. This holistic design philosophy aligns with the company’s sustainability mission and enhances the consumer experience, promoting responsible consumption without sacrificing convenience or style.

9. Financial Backing and Investment

A vital milestone in Finnish Food Factory’s trajectory has been securing €10 million in growth funding from Taaleri Bioindustry Fund I in 2025. This significant investment strengthens the company’s ability to scale operations, broaden international distribution, and advance product innovations. Taaleri Bioindustry’s backing underscores confidence in Finnish Food Factory’s leadership, sustainability-driven mission, and its role in transforming the dairy industry by promoting lower-emission, plant-based alternatives.

10. Future Prospects and Industry Impact

Looking ahead, Finnish Food Factory is poised to expand production capabilities and diversify its product lines further. The company benefits from Finland’s supportive food innovation ecosystem and emerging dietary guidelines encouraging reduced meat consumption and increased plant-based alternatives. By leveraging its expertise, sustainability foundations, and innovative partnerships, Finnish Food Factory aims to become a global contract manufacturer leader in plant-based foods, contributing meaningfully to healthier diets and planet-friendly nutrition.

Conclusion

Finnish Food Factory has quickly established itself as a leader in the sustainable plant-based dairy manufacturing sector, blending Finnish natural purity with cutting-edge technology and ethical production practices. Its diverse product offering, commitment to carbon neutrality, and collaborative business model provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. As consumer preferences shift toward environmentally conscious eating, Finnish Food Factory’s pioneering spirit and rapid expansion reflect the broader evolution of the food industry. Will this Nordic company set new global standards in plant-based food manufacturing and help reshape the future of sustainable nutrition?