Hailia's Vision: Transforming Seafood Waste into Culinary Gold
June 21, 2025, 10:25 am
In the bustling world of food technology, Hailia stands out like a lighthouse in a storm. This Finnish startup is on a mission to reshape the seafood industry by turning waste into opportunity. With a recent €1.75 million investment, Hailia is not just swimming with the tide; it’s setting the course for a sustainable future.
Founded in 2021, Hailia is based in Karkkila, Finland. The company specializes in transforming underutilized fish materials—think heads, fins, and frames—into ready-to-eat food products. This innovative approach is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. As global seafood consumption is projected to rise by 50% by 2050, the industry faces a pressing challenge: how to meet this demand sustainably.
Hailia’s technology is the key. It takes what was once considered waste and reimagines it as a culinary delight. The company’s first product, “pulled rainbow trout,” launched in collaboration with Kalavapriikki and S-Group, has already made waves in the market. This product is not just about taste; it’s about resource efficiency. By utilizing 20-40% more of the fish, Hailia is making strides toward a more sustainable food system.
The recent partnership with Kalavapriikki, a seasoned fish processor, and Dana Technology, a Danish engineering firm, marks a significant milestone for Hailia. This collaboration is more than just a business deal; it’s a commitment to innovation. With Kalavapriikki’s experience and Dana Technology’s engineering prowess, Hailia is poised to expand its international reach. The partnership is a symbiotic relationship, where each player brings unique strengths to the table.
The €1.75 million investment round includes new players like Holdix and Ikorni Invest, alongside a mix of returning investors. This financial backing is not just a safety net; it’s a launchpad. It empowers Hailia to scale its operations and refine its technology. The goal? To license its innovative solutions to fish processors worldwide.
Hailia’s licensing model is a game-changer. It allows fish processors to integrate Hailia’s technology directly into their production lines. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also opens the door to new product development. The seafood industry has long relied on sidestreams for animal feed or health products. Hailia is flipping the script, making these materials valuable for human consumption.
The seafood industry is at a crossroads. Traditional practices are being challenged by the need for sustainability. Hailia’s technology addresses this challenge head-on. By transforming sidestreams into high-value products, the company is not just reducing waste; it’s redefining what seafood can be. This shift is crucial as consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability in their food sources.
Hailia’s impact is already being felt. Kalavapriikki’s CEO has noted the tangible benefits of using Hailia’s technology. Not only does it reduce the carbon footprint, but it also enables the creation of innovative products. This is the future of fish processing—a future where every part of the fish is utilized, and nothing goes to waste.
The urgency of Hailia’s mission cannot be overstated. The seafood industry is under pressure to improve resource efficiency. As demand grows, so does the need for new, low-carbon protein sources. Hailia’s approach is not just innovative; it’s essential. By maximizing the use of fish, the company is contributing to global food security in a meaningful way.
Looking ahead, Hailia is already in discussions with several global producers of salmonoids, pelagics, and whitefish. The interest is palpable. The industry is waking up to the potential of sidestreams, and Hailia is leading the charge. The company’s vision is clear: to become the global standard for seafood processing.
Hailia’s technology will be showcased at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, later this year. This platform will provide an opportunity to highlight the company’s achievements and its commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Hailia won the World Food Innovation Award for best technology, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
The journey is just beginning. Hailia is not merely a company; it’s a movement. A movement toward a more sustainable seafood industry. A movement that challenges the status quo and embraces innovation. As the world grapples with food security and environmental concerns, Hailia is a beacon of hope.
In conclusion, Hailia is transforming the seafood landscape. By turning waste into opportunity, the company is not just feeding people; it’s feeding the future. With strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and a clear vision, Hailia is poised to make waves in the global seafood market. The tide is turning, and Hailia is leading the way.
Founded in 2021, Hailia is based in Karkkila, Finland. The company specializes in transforming underutilized fish materials—think heads, fins, and frames—into ready-to-eat food products. This innovative approach is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. As global seafood consumption is projected to rise by 50% by 2050, the industry faces a pressing challenge: how to meet this demand sustainably.
Hailia’s technology is the key. It takes what was once considered waste and reimagines it as a culinary delight. The company’s first product, “pulled rainbow trout,” launched in collaboration with Kalavapriikki and S-Group, has already made waves in the market. This product is not just about taste; it’s about resource efficiency. By utilizing 20-40% more of the fish, Hailia is making strides toward a more sustainable food system.
The recent partnership with Kalavapriikki, a seasoned fish processor, and Dana Technology, a Danish engineering firm, marks a significant milestone for Hailia. This collaboration is more than just a business deal; it’s a commitment to innovation. With Kalavapriikki’s experience and Dana Technology’s engineering prowess, Hailia is poised to expand its international reach. The partnership is a symbiotic relationship, where each player brings unique strengths to the table.
The €1.75 million investment round includes new players like Holdix and Ikorni Invest, alongside a mix of returning investors. This financial backing is not just a safety net; it’s a launchpad. It empowers Hailia to scale its operations and refine its technology. The goal? To license its innovative solutions to fish processors worldwide.
Hailia’s licensing model is a game-changer. It allows fish processors to integrate Hailia’s technology directly into their production lines. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also opens the door to new product development. The seafood industry has long relied on sidestreams for animal feed or health products. Hailia is flipping the script, making these materials valuable for human consumption.
The seafood industry is at a crossroads. Traditional practices are being challenged by the need for sustainability. Hailia’s technology addresses this challenge head-on. By transforming sidestreams into high-value products, the company is not just reducing waste; it’s redefining what seafood can be. This shift is crucial as consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability in their food sources.
Hailia’s impact is already being felt. Kalavapriikki’s CEO has noted the tangible benefits of using Hailia’s technology. Not only does it reduce the carbon footprint, but it also enables the creation of innovative products. This is the future of fish processing—a future where every part of the fish is utilized, and nothing goes to waste.
The urgency of Hailia’s mission cannot be overstated. The seafood industry is under pressure to improve resource efficiency. As demand grows, so does the need for new, low-carbon protein sources. Hailia’s approach is not just innovative; it’s essential. By maximizing the use of fish, the company is contributing to global food security in a meaningful way.
Looking ahead, Hailia is already in discussions with several global producers of salmonoids, pelagics, and whitefish. The interest is palpable. The industry is waking up to the potential of sidestreams, and Hailia is leading the charge. The company’s vision is clear: to become the global standard for seafood processing.
Hailia’s technology will be showcased at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, later this year. This platform will provide an opportunity to highlight the company’s achievements and its commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Hailia won the World Food Innovation Award for best technology, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
The journey is just beginning. Hailia is not merely a company; it’s a movement. A movement toward a more sustainable seafood industry. A movement that challenges the status quo and embraces innovation. As the world grapples with food security and environmental concerns, Hailia is a beacon of hope.
In conclusion, Hailia is transforming the seafood landscape. By turning waste into opportunity, the company is not just feeding people; it’s feeding the future. With strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and a clear vision, Hailia is poised to make waves in the global seafood market. The tide is turning, and Hailia is leading the way.