Founded in 2021, Hailia is a food tech company developing novel and resource-efficient seafood processing technologies

Hailia, Kalavapriikki, and S Group Collaborate to Transform Rainbow Trout Byproducts into Marketable Food Products

FINLAND
Thursday, September 05, 2024, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Hailia Nordic, based in Karkkila, has joined forces with fish supplier Kalavapriikki and retail chain S Group to create a new food product made from rainbow trout sidestreams.

A new fish product utilizing side streams from the fishery has appeared on the cold shelves of the S group's grocery stores (Prisma, S-market, Sale and Alepa). Domestic Nyhtö rainbow trout is made from rainbow salmon grown in Finland and it utilizes all the tasty and nutrient-rich side pieces produced by filleting the rainbow salmon, which typically remain unused from the fish. The technology used in the production of Nyhtöki salmon is the only one of its kind in the world.

This innovative partnership aims to reduce waste in fish processing by transforming parts typically discarded—such as frames, heads, and fins—into a ready-to-use food product. This product, launched under S Group’s Kotimaista label, will be available in over 500 stores, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency within the seafood industry.

Innovation in Food Technology: From Byproducts to Market-Ready Products

Hailia Nordic has developed a technology that turns fish filleting sidestreams into a flavorful and nutritious product, offering a healthy and affordable protein source for consumers. This innovation enables fish processors to enhance both their profitability and sustainability by utilizing parts of the fish that are usually discarded. The resulting product has a texture similar to cooked fish fillet, making it versatile for both home cooking and industrial food production. While the current product uses rainbow trout, the process can be applied to other types of fish as well.

“Our mission is to drive the blue food revolution and transform seafood industry practices to be sustainable and profitable. This partnership with S Group and Kalavapriikki demonstrates the potential of our circular approach to food production,” says Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia. “Our patent-pending technology meets all the requirements of industrial food producers, including the capacity to supply a major retail chain like S Group.”

Addressing a Growing Need for Low-Carbon Protein Sources

With global seafood consumption expected to increase by 50% by 2050, the need for resource-efficient and low-carbon protein sources is urgent. This partnership is part of a broader effort to meet that demand while complying with increasing environmental regulations.

“Fish has largely disappeared from the dinner tables of many urban families, even though consumers express a desire to eat more fish,” says Jari Korhonen, CEO of Kalavapriikki. “This new product enables us to maximize the use of raw materials while benefiting both the climate and the environment.”

Currently, fish processing sidestreams are mostly sold for feed or fish oil production. However, turning them into food products can be 10 to 15 times more profitable, offering a significant opportunity for the global fishing industry, which faces declining quotas and stricter environmental rules.

Meeting Consumer Demand for Sustainable and Tasty Products

“Today’s consumers want products that are both delicious and sustainable,” says Mikko Kovalainen, sales manager at S Group. “There is a strong demand for affordable fish products, and Hailia’s innovation helps us meet this demand. The pulled rainbow trout is a great addition to our product line, combining great taste, local production, convenience, and affordability.”

Looking to the Future: Expansion and Recognition

Hailia aims to expand internationally and license its unique technology to fish processing companies worldwide. The company is currently in the process of raising capital, with a funding round expected to close later this year. In April 2024, Hailia won the World Food Innovation Award for Best Technology and was recognized as one of the “30 Most Interesting Circular Economy Solutions for Nature” by the World Circular Economy Forum.

Through these innovative efforts, Hailia, Kalavapriikki, and S Group are setting a new standard for sustainability in the seafood industry while providing practical, marketable solutions for producers and consumers alike.

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