Raisio Group is increasing production of its oat business as it looks to bolster exports and manufacturing capabilities as the global demand for value-added oat products rises.

The company has invested some €8 million in its Nokia, Finland-based oat mill which, it said, will facilitate the export of Finnish oat products and manufacturing of value-added products.

The company’s aim is to increase its oat business to form another strong international pillar alongside its Benecol business.

“We increased the mill capacity and our ability to manufacture different oat products to meet the growing demand in Finland and Europe,” said Pekka Kuusniemi, President and CEO of Raisio.

“The oat boom is just beginning in Europe now, so the growth perspectives are quite interesting.”

Having significantly developed its production capabilities and capacity, Raisio will be able to produce gluten-free oat products at its Nokia mill.

“We have invested in the production of our gluten-free oat products so that we can accelerate the export of quality Finnish foods in a competitive manner,” said Mr Kuusniemi.

“The first Elovena Gluten-free products manufactured at the mill in Nokia will appear in shops around the end of January or beginning of February 2020.”

The oat mill can now also produce oat fibre products with a high beta-glucan content, which can help to reduce cholesterol and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Additionally, Raisio is currently building a production facility to manufacture plant-based added-value products. The cost estimate of the facility is approximately €45 million, and it is scheduled to be completed in 2021.