Valio to test use of Baltic Sea algae in food products

Dairy products manufacturer Valio and Finnish start-up Origin by Ocean have announced their intention to use algae from the Baltic Sea in food production.

A team of research and product development scientists from Valio will explore and test the usage of Origin by Ocean’s refined algae ingredients in food products.

Valio Research and Development senior vice-president Harri Kallioinen said: “It’s great to be involved in supporting a Finnish company that is developing future food innovations from the algae in local waters. Until now, algae-based texture-controlling agents have not been available in Finland.

“We at Valio have accumulated a wide variety of experience of different ingredients over the decades, from milk to oats and berries. Now, it’s fun to get to test an ingredient that’s all new to use with a young company.”

According to Valio, the natural processing aids produced when using algae have the potential to maintain the product’s texture until its expiry date, which could lead to addressing the issue of food wastage.

The company anticipates that the usage of algae in applications could lead to the creation of entirely new products.

Origin by Ocean aims to establish a business ecosystem based on Baltic algae in Finland.

Origin by Ocean founder and chief business activist Mikael Westerlund said: “This is an important step for us on our path towards new products in the food and snack markets.

“We are aiming for more future use of algae-based ingredients in food products. What’s also important to us is having production close to the consumer.”