HoviRuoka, a ready-to-eat food company based in Kouvola with around 65 employees, is known for its products favored by consumers for their deliciousness, uniqueness, and innovation. The company is a market leader in meat pie production and the second largest producer of mämmi (Finnish Easter pudding) in Finland. Its product range also includes special diet items, such as gluten-free and soy-free options. HoviRuoka serves all Finnish retail chains nationwide.
– Our strategy has always been to invest in product development and bring different products to the market compared to our competitors. Next year, our Vihis vegetable pie will turn ten years old. It was the first vegan ready meal to succeed in stores, and its sales continue to grow, says HoviRuoka's CEO Pekka Kaikkonen.
– We truly strive to stand out in the market, and that is our strength in developing new things, Kaikkonen continues.
Investing in Product Development Pays Off
Product development is at the core of HoviRuoka, and the company continuously strives to develop new and innovative products. In this work, as well as in scaling up production, Leipurin has been an important partner. Leipurin offers versatile expertise in sourcing and availability of ingredients, and provides alternatives when the original ingredient does not work. Their expertise helps HoviRuoka stay current and brings new ideas for using different ingredients.
The company's product developer Jenni Koivisto explains that product development starts in a small kitchen, where recipes are tested in small batches before moving to production. Large production batches require many tests and tastings to ensure the taste and shelf life remain optimal.
– Leipurin is a good partner because they respond quickly and help on-site with production challenges if needed, Koivisto says.
– We need great partners who bring us new ideas, good raw material options, and knowledge of new technologies. Leipurin can offer us comprehensive support in addition to selling raw materials, CEO Kaikkonen points out.
Partnership Strengthens Market Position
HoviRuoka values Leipurin's ability to provide new options and guidance in their use. This partnership has helped HoviRuoka develop and bring innovative products to market, strengthening the company's position in the Finnish market. The company has also started export operations, with Sweden as its main market area.
– Collaboration with Leipurin is not just about ingredients, but it is a comprehensive partnership. Such partners are needed by a medium-sized company, notes HoviRuoka's CEO Pekka Kaikkonen.
HoviRuoka and Leipurin continue their fruitful cooperation, developing new and innovative products together for the delight of consumers. Leipurin assists food industry customers through a wide, high-quality, and versatile partner network. Even the most complex raw material needs can be met with the help of Leipurin, and their expertise is put into practice.
“We need good partners who bring us new ideas, good raw material options, and knowledge of new technologies. In addition to selling raw materials, Leipurin is able to offer us comprehensive support.
Pekka Kaikkonen, CEO
HoviRuoka Oy
- Founded in 2010, turnover of €13 million
- Based in Kouvola, 65 employees
- Partner with Leipurin for years
- Leipurin supplies raw materials and assists in product development