In Finland, fish processors are incorporating new technology to create valuable food products from by-products

In 2023, the EU’s fish processing industry generated almost US$ 32.7 billion in annual revenue, and yet typically, over half of the weight of a fish ends up as sidestreams that never reach consumers, as they are discarded or used for purposes such as feed or fish oil. Meanwhile, the volume of processed fish in the EU is high. In Finland, for example, 56 million kilos of fish was processed in 2023, while the country faces an array of challenges when it comes to processing, such as high costs and pressure from stricter environmental regulations.

However, applying the right technology to process sidestreams and produce new products or ingredients can help to cut waste and add value. One example of such an initiative is Finnish food technology firm Hailia, which has partnered with Finnish fish processors Kalavapriikki and Hätälä to launch new food products made from salmon and rainbow trout sidestreams. According to Hailia, the initiative is key to addressing inefficiencies in the seafood industry and could transform global food systems.