Valio Expands Plant-Based Protein Portfolio with Acquisition of Raisio’s Härkis® and Beanit® Brands

Valio Expands Plant-Based Protein Portfolio with Acquisition of Raisio’s Härkis® and Beanit® Brands

(IN BRIEF) Valio has acquired Raisio’s plant protein business, which includes the Härkis® and Beanit® brands, along with production assets and 16 employees. This acquisition aligns with Valio’s strategy to diversify into plant-based food and expand its role in the global food industry. Valio’s strengthened position in the plant-based protein sector follows the successful integration of Gold&Green® in 2022 and an impressive sales boost in late 2024.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 14-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Valio has finalized the acquisition of Raisio plc’s plant protein business, including the fixed assets and the Härkis® and Beanit® fava bean brands. This acquisition involves the transfer of production equipment from Raisio’s Kauhava-based plant, which specializes in plant protein products, as well as 16 employees joining Valio. The transaction is valued at EUR 7 million.

With this move, Valio strengthens its position as a leading developer and producer of plant-based protein products, adding significant growth potential to its already diverse portfolio. The acquisition aligns with Valio’s strategic shift from being a dairy-centric company to a broader food company that embraces plant-based and cellular agriculture products. Tuomas Salusjärvi, Executive Vice President at Valio, commented, “The future of food requires a blend of plant-based, animal-based, and cellular agriculture-based food. Our strategy is to grow as a food company that meets the global demand for sustainable food.”

Valio has already made significant strides in the plant-based protein sector, acquiring the Gold&Green® business in 2022. The company’s continued investment in product development has led to a 50% sales increase in the last quarter of 2024. Kimmo Luoma, Senior Vice President at Valio, remarked, “This acquisition is a strategic move to build our production capacity, and the Kauhava factory’s equipment aligns perfectly with our needs.”

With Raisio’s plant protein business netting EUR 5.5 million in 2023, Valio is now set to further strengthen its foothold in the market for plant-based protein products. The company’s existing offerings already include Gold&Green® ready-to-use plant-based products, MiFU® protein products made from Finnish milk, and various raw materials for the food industry. Härkis and Beanit operations will continue as usual, and after March, the transferred assets and employees will officially become part of Valio.

Media Contact:

Tel: +358 10 381 2118
email: mediadesk@valio.fi

SOURCE: Valio