Nordic meat processor HKScan is teaming up with local food firm Hes-Pro (Finland) to develop plant-based protein products and plans to launch into foodservice in Finland as a first step.
Hes-Pro is part of the group of companies owned by fast-food chain Hesburger.
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Under the agreement, HKScan will develop and manufacture the meat-alternative products from its new facility in Kaarina. Debut products from the venture are due to roll out sometime in the first half of next year.
Further down the line, the parties aim to look into other plant-based opportunities in the Baltic region and will also explore expanding production to HKScan’s units. The products will later be launched across retail channels.
“Change in consumer buying behaviour has increased the demand for plant-based protein products and both the companies want to be strongly present in this growth,” they said in a joint statement.
Tero Hemmilä, HKScan’s chief executive, added: “Cooperation with Hes-Pro is a natural step for HKScan as part of its new group strategy implementation and supports the company’s target to grow into a versatile food company and to expand into new product categories and raw materials.
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By GlobalData“Responsibly produced meat and meat products will continue to be at the core of HKScan’s operations, but to establish a broader base for our future growth, we want to be actively present in new consumer trends. Hes-Pro has done excellent work on the development of plant-based protein products and it is great to start working with them. The collaboration is a good example of HKScan’s partnership strategy whereby we are involved in evolving product categories and sales channels also through strong partnerships.”
Hes-Pro chairman Heikki Salmela said the company had been working on the development of plant-based protein products for some time and had been looking for a suitable partner.
He added: “We were looking for an experienced partner with a strong presence in the consumer market and a wide geographical reach. So it is great to start working with HKScan, a company with an extensive sales and distribution network in the Nordic countries. I believe that the partnership with Hes-Pro will also support HKScan’s goal to grow as a versatile food company.”
Earlier this month, Helsinki-listed HKScan revealed a new strategy focused on improving profitability and turning the meat processor into a “versatile food company”, with a key aim to “achieve a leading position” in its home market of Finland and increase exports, particularly to Asia. “Strong partnerships are part of the strategy and provide the foundation for achieving the goals,” it said then.
