Finnish food tech company Hailia is joining forces with fish supplier, Kalayapriikki, and retail cooperative, S Group, on an innovative product that reduces waste.
Nyhtökirjolohi, or ‘pulled rainbow trout’ will be launched under S Group’s Kotimaista label and is made from parts of the fish usually discarded during processing. It will debut in more than 500 stores and supermarkets in September across Finland and Estonia.
“We are committed to driving the blue food revolution and redefining seafood industry practices to operate within planetary boundaries while improving profitability,” said Michaela Lindström, chief executive of Hailia.
“Through this partnership with S Group and Kalavapriikki, we can provide a very strong proof of concept for this entire circular concept.”
Hailia’s groundbreaking technology takes the parts of the fish that are discarded in the filleting process, such as frames, heads and fins, and turns them into a nutritious product that resembles cooked fish fillet.
The product launched now uses rainbow trout, but the process can also be applied to other fish as well.
Currently, fish processing companies sell their side streams mainly for feed or fish oil production but using them in food products is 10 to 15 times more profitable.
“There is strong demand for affordable fish products for everyday use, and Hailia’s innovation allows us to answer that demand even better than before,” said Mikko Kovalainen, sales manager, S Group.
“The pulled rainbow trout is an excellent addition to our own product line, as the product seamlessly combines good taste, domesticity, ease, and affordability.”
