FDBusiness.com

Fazer Group is continuing to develop its business and is investing €40 million in an oat hull based xylitol manufacturing facility in Finland to enter the xylitol market. The investment will strengthen Fazer’s position as a forerunner in value added grain-based products. In Fazer’s oat milling process, a substantial amount of oat hulls are derived as a side stream. Oat hulls contain xylose which can be used to produce xylitol.

Modern consumers are seeking healthier options to replace refined white sugar. Xylitol offers excellent potential for future product development.

“We have at hand an innovation where we combine patentable new technology, healthier options to consumers and an excellent example of an innovative circular economy solution. We believe that xylitol from a plant-based Nordic raw material with a Nordic origin will create interest also outside Finland and the Nordic countries, even globally. We plan to expand the xylitol production to our mill in Sweden, too. I’m proud of this example of the fearless creativity at Fazer, and we are excited about the new opportunities ahead of us,” says Christoph Vitzthum (pictured), president and chief executive of Fazer Group.

Family-owned Fazer Group is active in the bakery, confectionery, biscuit and grain products, plant-based meals, non-dairy products, on-the-go food and drinks sectors. It also provides food and café services. The group operates in eight countries and exports to around 40 countries. In 2018, Fazer Group had net sales of €1.6 billion and employed more than 15,000 people.