Valio has taken over Raisio's plant protein operations, along with Härkis and Beanit fava bean brand names, and tied fixed assets.
The €7 million acquisition encompasses Raisio's equipment used for the manufacture of products in its Kauhava-based plant protein plant in Finland.
16 people will become part of Valio through the takeover. The move enhances Valio's foothold in the plant-based protein industry.
The company has been venturing out of dairy, and executive vice president Tuomas Salusjärvi said that the future of food would comprise a combination of plant-based, animal-based, and cellular agriculture products.
Salusjärvi stated: "The future food system will consist of plant-based and animal-based food and food produced with cellular agriculture. All of them are necessary in order to supply sufficient food for a globally expanding population. That is the starting point of Valio's strategy, which will make us grow from a dairy company into a food company."
"This acquisition of business is one step in our growth path. A good and innovative product range has been the basis for Valio for 120 years. Besides milk-based products, we as a food company are now also focusing on growth in foods based on other raw materials." Valio has invested in plant-based proteins in the past, buying the Gold&Green business in 2022 and rolling out new products under the brand.
The acquisition of Raisio's plant protein business will enable Valio to further enhance its product range and increase its production capacity. Kimmo Luoma, the senior vice president of Valio, said in addition: "This business deal will make us an even larger developer and producer of plant protein products. There will be growing demand for such products in the long term, and there remains a lot of growth potential."
"We acquired the Gold&Green business in 2022 and, as a result, have been engaging in intensive product development and rejuvenating the brand. As a result of successful product introductions, sales during the final quarter of 2024 grew by around 50% compared to the prior quarter. We are creating our own manufacturing capacity through this acquisition. The manufacturing machinery of the Kauhava plant is exactly suitable for our requirements and position."
Valio already has a plant protein range in the form of Gold&Green, which provides ready-to-use plant protein foods and raw materials for professional kitchens and industry. Valio also makes MiFU protein foods, which are made from Finnish milk and came to the industry in 2016.
CMI Research: Key Alternative Protein Industry Insights
As per Coherent Market Insights, the alternative proteins industry is expected to register growth at a rate of 7.4% CAGR in the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 for increasing demand for plant-based as well as better food products. It was anticipated at US$ 17.66 Bn in 2025 and expected to reach USD 29.12 Bn by 2032.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Alternative Protein Industry Growth
The alternative protein industry, both plant-based and cell-based, is poised for high growth says research says research consultant Sakshi Suryawanshi.
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
The alternative protein industry is expanding at a high rate, and innovation is driving industry growth. Valio's acquisition of Raisio's plant protein business for €7 million indicates a strategic expansion of its position in the industry. The transaction is a reflection of the growing significance of plant protein solutions as the demand for sustainable, plant-based alternatives increases around the world.
