Finland’s Valio to Close Kauhava Fava Bean Facility, Moving Production to Joensuu

Valio, a Finnish dairy company, has acquired Raisio’s plant protein business, including the Härkis® and Beanit® brands made from fava beans. The company has announced its plans to close the Kauhava facility, which produces fava bean products, and relocate production to its site in Joensuu. This move will impact 11 employees, though Valio aims to offer them jobs at other sites.

The Joensuu facility, which currently manufactures dairy cheeses and milk powders, will now also produce Valio’s plant-based cheese alternative, Oddlygood® Veggie. Valio aims to improve production efficiency and profitability by leveraging its long-standing expertise in producing innovative plant-based products. The relocation of production from Vantaa and Kauhava to Joensuu will allow the company to utilize existing knowledge and equipment, achieving long-term synergies and strategic goals.