Finland’s Paulig Group said today (1 September) it had acquired a 51% controlling stake in Finnish food technology start-up Gold & Green Foods – with the aim of establishing the firm’s “pulled oats” meat alternative as a global brand.

Paulig said the companies signed a deal yesterday “to further accelerate the production capacity for pulled oats and to launch the commercialisation of the innovation in the international market”.

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“Pulled oats is a perfect protein meat alternative made from oats, faba beans and peas by shearing,” Paulig said. “It’s able to challenge meat products both in terms of nutritional value, texture, mouth-feel and flavour. Pulled oats contains as much as 30% protein and has a superior amino acid composition. It is rich in beta-glucan, the oat fibre that has many proven health effects to heart health and digestion.”

Paulig CEO Jaana Tuominen added: “People are more and more conscious of their eating habits. We are convinced that the popularity of pulled oats will only increase. We are very excited that the founders of Gold & Green Foods want to build the future together with us.”

Gold & Green “will continue as an entrepreneur-driven and independent unit” after the acquisition, Paulig said. However, Gold & Green will gain “more resources to speed up the growth and development of the business”.

Paulig added: “Gold & Green is a technology company that develops innovative products based on the research data produced by its team and with the help of user-oriented design processes.”

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Gold & Green MD Maija Itkonen said: “The astounding demand for our product has been a pleasant surprise. The partnership with Paulig provides us with the resources and competence to increase the production of pulled oats in Finland and abroad.  We are both thrilled to create the prerequisites for this Finnish innovation to conquer the world.”

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