Swedish food tech company cReal Food has announced the opening of a new production facility at the former Findus site in Bjuv, Sweden.
cReal has developed an oat-based ingredient that offers food producers an alternative to conventional milk powder. Made using Swedish-grown oats and water, it is processed using a patented, zero-waste method. The result is a nutrient-rich powder solution that is naturally high in protein, fiber, and beta-glucan.
The new facility will support the scale-up of cReal’s ingredient, and has been made possible by a 300 million SEK investment backed by Lindéngruppen and other investors. It is fully automated and designed to meet BRCGS, the global gold standard in food safety.
Meeting evolving demands
A pre-LCA study conducted by Teknologisk Institut has reportedly found that the oat-based ingredient could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 78% compared to traditional milk powder. According to cReal, the product can replace milk powder in a variety of applications, including ice cream, yogurt, chocolate, savory items, and baked goods.
Powdered oat milk has become increasingly popular with consumers in recent years, providing a shelf-stable option for those who only require small quantities or are traveling. However, cReal’s product could help manufacturers transition toward more sustainable food systems on a large scale.
“We see a real opportunity to improve how food is made – both from a sustainability and nutritional perspective,” said Christian Hjortholm Steffensen, CEO of cReal Food. “We aim to provide solutions that support manufacturers in meeting evolving demands while delivering great taste and affordability.”
