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Finnish food technology scale-up Hailia has unveiled a new strategic partnership aimed at enhancing its international presence and expanding the licensing of its innovative technology. The collaboration, which includes a €1.75 million investment, brings together key players in the seafood supply chain, including fish processor Kalavapriikki and machinery manufacturer Dana Technology.

Hailia specialises in converting underutilised fish processing sidestreams – such as heads, fins and frames – into ready-to-eat food products for human consumption. The partnership with Kalavapriikki, a long-time collaborator, allows Hailia to license its technology while Kalavapriikki markets the products under its brand. Currently, Hailia manufactures these products, which include the recently launched 'pulled rainbow trout,' available through Finnish supermarket leader S-Group.

Dana Technology, based in Denmark, joins the partnership as a strategic provider of processing machinery. Hailia has secured exclusive rights to use Dana's technology for seafood applications, further solidifying its position in the market. This collaboration is part of a broader investment round that includes new investors Holdix and Ikorni Invest, alongside a mix of returning and new stakeholders.

The seafood industry is under increasing pressure to improve resource efficiency, particularly as global seafood consumption is projected to rise by 50% by 2050. Hailia’s approach to utilising sidestreams for human food is becoming essential, transitioning from a 'nice-to-have' to a critical industry requirement.

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Hailia was featured as FoodBev’s Start-up of the Month in our February edition. Click here to read our exclusive interview with CEO Michaela Lindström.

Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia, noted a marked increase in interest from processors at recent trade shows, emphasising the urgency for solutions that can be implemented in the near term. Kalavapriikki’s CEO, Jari Korhonen, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits of Hailia’s technology: enhanced resource utilisation and reduced carbon footprint. The partnership aims to create new product lines that meet consumer demand while contributing to sustainability goals.

Hailia's licensing model allows fish processors to implement its technology directly within their production facilities, providing a pathway for broader adoption across the industry. With the recent investment and partnership with Dana Technology, Hailia is poised to expand its global reach and further refine its technology to meet the needs of food producers worldwide.

Vagn Hansen, CEO of Dana Technology, highlighted the transformative potential of Hailia’s approach, stating that the technology addresses a significant challenge in the seafood industry by repurposing sidestreams that have traditionally been underutilised. This shift not only enhances food security but also positions Hailia as a leader in sustainable seafood processing.

Hailia is set to showcase its technology at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, later this year, further elevating its profile on the global stage. The company has already garnered recognition, winning the World Food Innovation Award for best technology in 2024. Additionally, it was listed among the 30 most compelling circular economy solutions for nature by the World Circular Economy Forum.