HKScan and Hes-Pro to manufacture plant-based protein products

Finland-based meat producers HKScan and Hes-Pro have signed a cooperation agreement to develop and produce plant-based protein products.

This initiative is in response to the growing demand for meat substitutes across the globe. The two companies intend to make their marks in this sector.

HKScan CEO Tero Hemmilä said: “Cooperation with Hes-Pro, part of the Hesburger group, is a natural step for HKScan as a part of its new group strategy implementation and supports the company’s target to grow into a versatile food company and to expand into new product categories and raw materials.

“Responsibly produced meat and meat products will continue to be at the core of HKScan’s operations, but to establish a broader base for our future growth, we want to be actively present in new consumer trends.”

Hes-Pro is part of the same group of companies as the fast-food chain Hesburger and will produce the new plant-based protein products at its facility in Kaarina, Finland. The two companies will also manufacture plant-based protein products at HKScan’s production units.

HKScan will launch the products in the first half of next year. They will initially be launched in Finland but will be distributed to foodservice channels and the retail sector at a later stage. HKScan is also exploring options for product distribution in its other home markets in the Baltic Sea region.

Hes-Pro Board chairman Heikki Salmela said: “We recognised the growing need for plant-based protein products several years ago and started developing our plant-based protein products.

“Our goal is to make exceptionally tasty products using our recipe. We have been looking for a suitable partner to launch our products widely to the consumer market.”