New technology has the potential to increase the sales price of raw materials by 10-15 times says tech company.
Finnish food technology company Hailia Nordic has announced a new partnership with fish producer Kalavapriikki and retail giant S Group.
The collaboration will see the launch of a new product, “pulled rainbow trout,” made from by-products of Kalavapriikki’s rainbow trout processing, and will be available in more than 500 S Group grocery stores across Finland starting in September.
Hailia’s technology repurposes nutrient-rich parts of the fish that are typically not used for human consumption, such as bones, heads, and fins, transforming them into ready-to-eat food products.
This process not only improves resource efficiency in seafood production but also offers consumers a new, healthy protein source at a lower price point, according to a press release from the company on Tuesday.
The product, branded under S Group’s Kotimaista label, is designed for ease of use in both home and commercial kitchens.
“Our goal is to drive the seafood industry forward by providing the tools necessary to produce within the planet’s limits while increasing profitability. This partnership with S Group and Kalavapriikki demonstrates that circular solutions are possible,” said Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia.
The global demand for seafood is expected to increase by 50% by 2050, necessitating more resource-efficient and sustainable practices in the industry, according to the company.
“Consumers today demand good taste, healthy food, and sustainability all in one package. The launch of Kirjolohinyhtö (pulled rainbow trout) is another step toward our goal of increasing the share of locally produced fish we offer,” said Mikko Kovalainen, Sales Manager at S Group Supermarket Trade.
Hailia aims to establish similar partnerships internationally and plans to license its technology to other fish producers. The company is currently in the process of completing a funding round by the end of 2024. In April 2024, Hailia won the World Food Innovation Award for best technology and is recognized among the World Circular Economy Forum’s 30 most interesting solutions for circular economy.
Hailia will also participate in the Fish Waste For Profit conference in Iceland on September 19-20.
