Food company Foodiq wants to show that it is possible to change the world's food system through innovation. The company's work is also of interest beyond Finland's borders.
The global food system is in a state of great upheaval: a billion people around the world are starving in some form, the food industry accounts for as much as 26% of global biogas emissions, and crises and disasters are pushing up the prices of raw materials for export, forcing the world to rethink more self-sufficient food production.
Foodiq, a growing plant-based food company in Järvenpää's Wärtsilä district, is addressing the challenges of inefficient and inefficient food production and food security. Its mission is to provide the global food industry with solutions to produce more efficient local food.
Foodiq manufactures plant-based dairy products from oats, buckwheat, hemp, fermented broad beans and lentils for food industry operators of all sizes, including shops and food brands. A major customer relationship has been established with Valio, for example, for whom it produces rolled oats.
The production processes developed by the company enable the manufacture of plant-based products without additives. Foodiqilla does not have its own brand, but offers product development and production services and manufacturing technology to other food companies. There are no similar service providers in Europe.
- When a traditional food company sets out to build a new plant, it costs 50 million and takes three years. A similar production line at Foodiq will be up and running in less than a year and only 10-20% of the normal cost level," says Foodiq's Marketing Director. Jari Karlsson explains.
Founded in 2015, Foodiq is owned by its founders Robert Savikko and Jani Uusi-Ristaniemi, the company's management and, to a large extent, foreign venture capitalists. One of the largest of these is the Swedish company Nicoya Ab.
Orientation towards growth areas
In addition to Finland, Foodiq has customers in Europe, such as the UK and Sweden. Currently, the company's customer base is split equally between Finland and Europe.
- Going global takes courage, but in the big picture it has been seen as a strategic advantage. In Central Europe, consumption of plant-based foods is growing all the time, which is our next growth area.
According to Karlsson, however, the company's future growth will not be based on new products, but on setting up new factories abroad. The main targets are Sweden, the United States, Central Europe and Saudi Arabia. In the latter, Foodiq is already in the initial stages of exporting food technology. In 10 years' time, Foodiq envisages owning 10 factories abroad.
Correct timing
Foodiq has been operating in Järvenpää for about a year now. In 2022, the company relocated to the former Paulig Gold & Green Foods factory in Wärtsilä, whose production facilities and equipment proved to be suitable for Foodiq. Previously, Foodiq had two production units in Klaukkala and Hyvinkää, which could be combined and the premises doubled in size with the move to Järvenpää.
- The timing just happened to be right to be here. At the same time, it is important that we are able to operate logistically close to the metropolitan area and meet our important partners. International partners have also enjoyed visiting our new factory and its stunning surroundings," says Karlsson.
In addition to Järvenpää, Foodiq also has its own production plant in England.
The number of employees in Foodiq's Finnish operations has grown steadily over the past eight years from 25 to more than 70. Currently, 10 of them work in Helsinki and the rest in Järvenpää. In Järvenpää they work in product development, production and shift management, service, maintenance and logistics. Foodiq also trains its employees for these jobs.
The company's production will recruit more workers as a result of the move to three-shift working. The temporary workers used by Foodiq will be increased to permanent employees.
- It is important for a growth company to take care of its staff and its image as an employer. This will also ensure the company's growth.
Cooperation and networks in many areas
Foodiq is part of the food growth network organised and led by Business Järvenpää.
- The food network provides us with new knowledge and learning, as well as encouragement and courage for our own work. At best, we can also find new ways of working with other businesses and entrepreneurs in the city. This is the main added value of different networks.
Karlsson also mentions Business Finland's Food from Finland cooperation network as an important network for Foodiq. In addition, cooperation with educational institutions is seen as a valuable part of business.
According to Karlsson, schools are welcome to visit the company's factory in Järvenpää. There is also currently cooperation with the University of Helsinki, for example, on food research.
Karlsson says Foodiq is grateful for the good cooperation with Business Järvenpää and the city.
- The city is actively involved and offers opportunities for cooperation and development. This makes everyday life easier to organise and do.
Foodiq looks to the future with hope and optimism. It is important to keep the focus and vision clear.
Key figures
Employment
Foodiq has a total of 70 employees in Finland, of which 55 work in Järvenpää, mainly in production. Seven different nationalities are represented in the workforce.
Turnover
In 2022, Foodiq's turnover was approximately EUR 4 million, doubling from 2021, with further growth expected in 2023.
Customers
Foodiq has a total of around 50 customers, for whom hundreds of products are produced. In addition to Finland, the products are mainly exported to the Nordic countries and Central Europe.
Järvenpää's strengths and business stories
Järvenpää is a great place and opportunity for a wide range of businesses. Our central location and good accessibility make it easy to move products, services and labour in all directions. Järvenpää is at the centre of a 900,000-strong employment area and all the educational organisations in the metropolitan area are within a 30-minute radius.
Companies in Järvenpää are active in networking and Business Järvenpää and its partners help companies on the road to growth, internationalisation and entrepreneurship. The city has four growth networks in different key sectors (food, industry, trade and services, real estate and construction). The Growth Networks address issues that businesses want to address, such as their labour needs, human resources skills, growth and internationalisation - without forgetting local business and economic perspectives and needs.
Do you want to be part of the success stories of companies in Järvenpää? Welcome to become part of Järvenpää's active business life and share your business story with us. Find out more about the city's location opportunities and business services Business Järvenpää and contact us!