Finland: Fazer to close Yosa oat factory

Fazer, the Finnish dairy and confectionery firm, is considering closing a production facility for its Yosa brand of oat-based products, according to a FoodBev report.

The plant in Kaarina, south-west Finland, is reportedly being shut as part of an efficiency drive, with production moving to another manufacturing site in the town of Koria.

While noting that non-dairy oat-based products were playing a “key role” in the development of the business, Heli Anttila, VP supply chain and operations at Fazer Lifestyle Foods, said the firm was also facing “stiffening competition”.

“The total market for non-dairy products in Western Europe is growing at a yearly rate of over 17%”, she said. “Our chief assets in the tightening competition are our strong expertise in the oat business, our consumer-centric product range and our strong brands”.

The Kaarina plant is set to close in autumn of this year.

Source: FoodBev