Dynamic momentum, continued growth, and commitment to innovation are the markers of success in the 10-year anniversary of one of the leading regional ice cream and dairy groups in Europe
Highlights:
Overview of Results
Food Union, one of Europe’s leading ice cream and dairy producing and distributing groups, is pleased to announce its annual results for 2021. Net revenue remained the same as in 2020 – EUR 291 million with new record ice cream sales achieved in June and July. Profits rose to EUR 10.8 million, up 30%, following significant investment in new products, automatization and e-commerce.
Over 140 novelty ice creams were introduced across six markets in 2021, with Food Union now holding a leading market position in the Baltics and Denmark, and strong Top 3 positions in Norway and Romania. According to Nielsen, the Group’s novelty products were among the best-performing newcomers in the markets, which raised the value of many of the Group’s strong brands.
The performance was supported by the Group’s continued development of dynamic routes to market through e-commerce solutions. Beyond supporting sales, it improved customers’ overall experience by ensuring quick and timely delivery, broadening the product range, and introducing an assortment of goods produced by partners. As a result, during the year the Group almost tripled revenues from the e-commerce revenue channel, with three-digit year-on-year growth recorded in most markets.
Total net cash used for investing activities reached EUR 12.3 million, with EUR 2.8 million invested in truck upgrades working towards the mission to build an effective and green fleet across the Group. A further EUR 8 million was invested into property assets and equipment.
Management Changes
Post yearend, in January 2022, a new CEO of Food Union Europe was appointed, with Artūrs Čirjevskis recruited internally into the role. Artūrs has an in-depth understanding of the Group, having previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer of Food Union Europe for five years, where he was instrumental in its success and enhanced operational efficiency. He has garnered previous CEO experience at one of the Food Union Latvia production plants SIA Rigas Piensaimnieks. He also held the revered position of an international economics course lecturer at Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration.
Food Union’s business development Europe, focusing on e-commerce and DSD segment, will be led by BDO Sergey Beskhmelnitskiy, former CEO of Food Union in Baltics. However, the implementation of commercial strategy in Denmark, Norway, and Romania will be supported by CCO Aivar Aus, CEO of Premia TKH, Estonian flagship ice cream producer and No.1 ice cream brand in Estonia.
Artūrs Čirjevskis, CEO of Food Union, Europe, said “As we reached the end of a decade, Food Union continued to make major strides in building power brands in key markets with significant innovations across the business, from product to distribution. These results were achieved against difficult market conditions with longer COVID-19 lockdowns and rapidly rising material prices. Going forward and based on our impressive customer base in DSD segment we aim to develop in-depth client relationships and become their reliable partner in categories beyond ice cream.”
Financial Highlights (EUR million):
| 2021 | Change YoY | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Net revenue | 291.4 | 290.7 | 276.6 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 114.6 | 115.5 | 103.6 | ||||||
| EBITDA | 42.2 | 46.1 | 31.5 | ||||||
| Cash flow generated from operating activities | 35.3 | 37.1 | 31.9 | ||||||
| Net result | 10.8 | 8.3 | 2.1 | ||||||
Food Union will continue to focus on deeper operational optimization and integration between the Group’s companies, especially in the Northern European markets. The ongoing investments into the automatization and digitalization of operations will continue to strengthen the Group’s ability to adjust to the uncertainties and developments in the world, at the same time as staying committed to our core mission – focusing on the well-being of people by delivering products that resonate with consumer needs.
Food Union – a leading international ice cream and dairy production and distribution group – has demonstrated its continued commitment to innovation and delighting consumers with its 2022 launch of summer novelties. Food Union has invested in the development of around 80 unique products across global markets, including its key markets such as Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Denmark, and Romania.
In anticipation of the summer months, and leveraging their strength in agile product innovation and development, Food Union has created a spectrum of novel ice creams that will delight consumers spanning healthy alternatives of vegan and low-cal ice cream through to bold experiments with mixology of crispy, crunchy and juicy textures, as well as carefully designed flavors that meet local preferences.
“Our approach to developing and launching new and exciting ice cream novelties stands out in the new product portfolio of 2022. It has products that represent global trends and very classic and locally recognizable flavours in a new interpretation. It contains exciting products for children and products for very mature and refined tastes. It has ice creams rich in cream and low-calorie and vegan products. Finally, this portfolio is designed to make ice cream available to anyone,” says Artūrs Čirjevskis, CEO of Food Union in Europe.
The 2022 novelties are grounded in trends that are shaping the industry:
Healthy alternatives for a healthier life. Consumers in the post-Covid era have become more health-conscious, with consumers looking for both vegan and low-calorie ice creams. Food Union continues to prioritize the development of numerous products to cater for alternative diets:
Creating and refining trusted, timeless classics. Ice cream lovers have always been divided into those who seek adventure and excitement, and those who respect values and traditions. The latter often focus on only few flavors of ice creams, for which various alternatives have been enhanced to ensure these trusted classics deliver on quality, recipe, and taste balance. For these exquisite ice cream lovers, Food Union has provided a range of world-renowned classic flavors, releasing new quintessential delights:
A playground of adventurous flavours. Those, who perceive ice cream enjoyment as an adventure, can’t wait for the summer to push their own flavour boundaries with new, exciting cold delicacies. This is true with respect to both young ice cream lovers and adults, for whom life is still one big playground. Food Union respects this ‘joie de vivre’ and this year has created a wide and youthful range of ice creams in different shapes, sizes, and designs – from crazy flavoured creamy ice cream to refreshingly jolly juice lollies.
Nostalgic flavours that tap into the local preferences. Although love for ice cream is universal, people in different parts of the world have slightly different taste preferences related to local products, local traditions and childhood nostalgia. Food Union knows its customers well in its home markets, so every year it delights with flavors that are close to the hearts of the Balts and Scandinavians:
Complex Mixology. Food Union utilizes the power of mixology to inspire exciting new tastes and create ice cream that evokes an experimental joy by utilizing unique flavours across the spectrum.
In solidarity with Ukraine’s fight for freedom, Latvia’s leading milk processing and ice cream production company Food Union has created a special ice cream in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag. With a symbolic purpose, the ice cream recipe incorporates floral flavours made from natural materials: elder and cornflower in the blue part of the ice cream and the softness of saffron in the yellow part, creating a unique composition of flavours. The cold delicacy has been named “Слава України” (Glory to Ukraine), a slogan expressing support for Ukrainian sovereignty and resistance.
“This ice cream is a tribute to the courage and love of freedom of the Ukrainian people. More importantly, it is a reminder to every resident of Latvia that a terrible war is still going on in Ukraine, therefore we must continue to help its people even after the first wave of support has subsided,” emphasizes Food Union Director General in Latvia Irēna Holodnaja. “Development of an ice cream dedicated to Ukraine was an emotionally significant event for our team. Everyone involved in the development of the ice cream had a sense of belonging and the opportunity to support Ukrainians through what we do best – developing and producing delicious products of very high quality. Our experience from 2018, when we created ice creams in the colours of the national flags of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania to celebrate their 100th anniversary, also came in handy,” adds Irēna Holodnaja.
The ice cream dedicated to Ukraine was presented to the public for the first time today, June 18, when Blue-Yellow Ice Cream Festival was organized for the Ukrainian community at day centre Common Ground. Ice cream lovers young and old not only had a chance to be the first to taste “Слава України” ice cream, but also other most popular and delicious ice creams produced by Food Union, meet clown doctors, play football and blow big soap bubbles.
“We are grateful to every person and company that continues to provide assistance, so that people who have found refuge in Latvia from the protracted war in their country could realistically hope for peace and a quick return home. Thank you Food Union for a special product dedicated to the community of Ukrainians! What else if not ice cream can bring so much joy and a bit of comfort in the summer season,” says Common Ground founder Ieva Irbina.
The blue-and-yellow ice cream will be available free of charge to residents of Ukraine at the Riga Support Centre (1 Kaļķu Street) and the Common Ground day centre for Ukrainian residents (17 Andrejostas Street 27), as well as at Ekselence summer booths in Riga and Jūrmala upon presentation of Ukrainian ID documents.
In addition, “Слава України” ice cream in limited quantities will be available for purchase from June 18 on Food Union online store Pienaveikals.lv and at Ekselence summer booths in Riga and Jūrmala. EUR 1 from each ice cream sold will be donated to Ukrainian children’s protection organization “Голоси дітей” (Children’s Voices) with the support of Ziedot.lv.
As reported, since March 9 of this year, Food Union has been supporting the Riga Support Centre for Ukrainian residents with fresh dairy products on a daily basis: sour cream, Rasa butter, Limbažu Piens milk and cheeses, Dzintars cheeses, Lakto yogurts, Kārums curd snacks and desserts, milk beverages Rasēns. According to Pēteris Grūbe, head of the Riga Support Centre for Ukrainians, these deliveries provide meals for more than 700 people each day. Several truckloads of dry milk powder and milk beverages have also been shipped to Ukraine to support the Ukrainian army, hospitals and national defence units. Cream cheese Rasa, which was stored in Ukrainian warehouses and was intended for sale, was donated to local residents once the war started.
Highly awaited news for the lovers of the Kārums brand – following repeated consumer suggestions, Food Union, the leading dairy processing company in Latvia, has resumed the production of two once beloved cheese curd snacks in a new interpretation. As a result, two products have returned to store shelves for the pleasure of consumers – strawberry Kārums in a strawberry flavored glaze, as well as baked apple, cinnamon and grain curd snacks in the classic Kārums chocolate glaze.
The recipes for both of the new curd snacks are a modern reproduction of nostalgic flavors. They were inspired by the food technologists of the Food Union Center for Excellence of Fresh Dairy Products by researching the historical recipes of Kārums: the strawberry curd snack was first produced in 1995, but the apple-cinnamon snack – in 2003. And just like before, the main ingredient of these legendary snacks is the unique curd only characteristic to Kārums, which is made from the freshest and highest quality milk.
“An interesting coincidence – two years ago, the iconic symbol of Kārums, the famous Kārums crow, returned to the packaging of our curd snacks, and since then we have often received many, many requests from Kārums fans to resume production of various favorite curd snacks. We have heard these suggestions, and now we are introducing to consumers new, modern versions of strawberry and apple-cinnamon curd snacks that will delight both the brand’s longtime fans and a new generation of snack lovers,’’ said Ilva Veidemane, the brand manager of Food Union dairy products.
The new products are produced at the Kārums curd production plant opened in 2020, which is located in the territory of the Food Union group company Rīgas Piena Kombināts. The company invested EUR 5.5 million in the construction and equipping of the plant with modern technological production lines.
Those who cannot wait until summer will appreciate the fresh and summery taste and aroma of the Kārums strawberry curd snack (60% curd). The second innovative snack – Kārums (56% curd) with fried apples, cinnamon and oatmeal, barley and rye flakes will help to fill the belly and warm the soul.
Both new Kārums curd snacks are already available in the Food Union online store www.PienaVeikals.lv, as well as in such popular supermarket chains in Latvia as Rimi, Mego, Vesko, Lats, Aibe, Elvi and Top!. The sale of these products in the rest of the Baltics will also soon be launched. In total, the company has invested about EUR 30,000 in the development and launch of these two new products in the Baltic market.
About Kārums
Kārums is one of the most beloved food brands in Latvia and the Baltics. The famous curd snack was first produced in Latvia in the late 1940s, and it immediately became a favorite breakfast delicacy and snack for children and adults alike. In 1993, this cult product acquired a new identity – the name Kārums. Since then, the brand has not only developed a wide range of delicacies made from the best milk, but also developed a bright, cheerful personality and a sincere sense of humor. More information about the brand: https://karums.eu, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
About Food Union group:
“Food Union” is the largest dairy company in Latvia and the leading ice cream producer in the Baltic countries. “Food Union” group is made up of three largest dairy companies and ice cream makers in Latvia – “Rigas Piena Kombinats”, “Valmieras Piens”, and “Rigas Piensaimnieks” (“Rigas Piena Kombinats” joined in February 2020), Estonia’s largest ice cream maker “Premia” and “Premia” in Lithuania, the leading Danish ice cream producer “Premier Is” and Danish ice cream distribution company “Hjem Is”, Norway’s ice cream company “Isbjørn Is” and ice cream delivery service company “Den Norske Isbilen”, Romanian ice cream maker “Alpin57Lux”. In 2018 “Food Union” opened two dairy and children’s product plants in China. In 2020, “Food Union” group achieved EUR 294 million in turnover. “Food Union” group companies currently employ over 3,100 persons. More information about the company can be found here www.foodunion.lv, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Kim Gade Pedersen to remain in the company’s Supervisory Board
March 21, 2022, THISTED, DENMARK – Claus Dahlmann Larsen, the Chief Commercial Officer of the leading Danish ice cream company Premier Is (Mejerigaarden A/S), part of the international ice cream and dairy production and distribution group Food Union, becomes the CEO of the company as of today, March 21st, 2022. The former CEO of over 7 years Kim Gade Pedersen will remain in the company’s Supervisory Board to oversee the next stage in the development of the legacy Danish ice cream market leader.
“In the last 7 years since Kim Gade Pedersen took over the management and distribution of the Danish heritage ice cream manufacturer Premier Is, I, like the other 350 employees in Denmark, have on a daily basis experienced his purposeful pursuit of operational excellence that is second to none. It is under his leadership that one of the most challenging restructuring and efficiency projects has been implemented, creating a company that is fit for competing in the highly competitive FMCG industry. On behalf of the family of Food Union companies, I thank Kim for his great contribution to the creation of a leading Danish ice cream maker,” says Arturs Čirjevskis, CEO of Food Union Group in Europe.
“The management of the company is now handed to Claus Dahlmann Larsen, a proven commercial and marketing professional both locally and internationally. He is entrusted with an ambitious task to drive the growth of Premier Is through excellence in sales and marketing, implementation of revenue-increasing initiatives, launch of new and innovative product categories in Denmark, as well as through building the foundation for Danish brands to perform on international level. I wish Claus the best of luck, he has all the means – a great team, strong brands and an effective operation – for it,” adds Arturs Čirjevskis.
In the nearly three years since Claus became Premier Is’ Chief Commercial Officer in 2019, he has been responsible for the full commercial value chain covering Sales across all channels, Marketing, Trade Marketing, Product Development, Customer Service and Distribution, comprising an organization of around 240 people. Among his most visible achievements is consolidation of the Premier Is product portfolio under a single brand, development of sophisticated marketing and sales strategies for the Premier Is and Hjem Is brands, and foundation of many innovative and competitive product initiatives such as low-cal ice cream Underground, a line of ice cream accessories available at Hjem Is and now the introduction of dairy snacks in the Danish market.
“I’m honoured to take over the full responsibility for this great company, an engaged and committed team and brands with a great story rooted in the history of Danish dairy. In February 2020, we launched our 2023 strategy under the headline “The New Premier Is”, and since then we have been focusing on delivering on our must win battles. This has been driving a lot of change internally, a lot of new innovations to the category and a closer collaboration with our customers, leaving us with a solid platform for future growth. We have gone a long way in the transformation of the company, and I want to thank Kim for his support and for great partnership in delivering historical strong results in 2020 and 2021. I look forward to continuing working with him in his new role at the Supervisory Board,” says Claus Dahlmann Larsen.
“My main ambition since becoming CEO of Premier Is always was “to leave the company in a position stronger than ever before”. I´m very happy that this ambition was achieved. A very committed team in Premier Is, including Hjem-Is, made this achievement possible. I am happy to leave the CEO responsibility to Claus Dahlmann Larsen, who has been the driving force behind developing a very strong commercial platform for future growth and worked very hard for almost three years to successfully transform the commercial value chain. Being part of the Food Union family and working closely with colleagues from different countries and cultures has been very rewarding and a joy. I´m very happy and honoured to continue being part of the Food Union Family as a member of the company´s supervisory board,” adds Kim Gade Pedersen.
Claus Dahlmann Larsen has over 25 years of experience in leading organisations in FMCG industries in the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Middle East and North Africa. While working with brands like Carlsberg, Kellogg and Coca Cola, he has gained verifiable tracking record of leading transformational projects and delivering cost efficient growth by combining an incisive ability to strategize and execute innovative, flexible and robust commercial strategies based on consumer, shopper and customer insights.
ABOUT PREMIER IS
Premier Is in Thisted is the largest Danish ice cream dairy and holds a leading position as a producer of high-quality ice cream products in Denmark. The dairy was founded in 1933 by the dairyman Sigurd Laurids Sørensen, who was among the first to learn how to make ice cream in Denmark. For more than 80 years, Premier Ice has delivered Danish-produced ice cream based on craftmanship, cream and carefully selected ingredients.
ABOUT FOOD UNION
Food Union is a leading, innovative consumer goods company that develops local brands and delivers delightful products in Europe, China and Pacific Asia. Food Union is currently the leading ice cream producer in the Baltics and Denmark, and the group holds a strong market position in Norway and Romania. The leading dairy group is backed by Hong Kong-based investment company Meridian Capital Limited, and one of Asia’s largest private capital firms PAG.
CONTACT:
Linda Mežgaile
Food Union Head of PR
[email protected]
T: +371 29772050
Like the rest of the world, the Food Union Group is following the dramatic events in Ukraine with great concern and anxiety. The group, founded in Latvia and currently one of the leading players in the ice cream market in Europe with a direct presence in 6 European countries, hopes for a speedy end of hostilities and a return to negotiations. At the same time, the group will follow the decisions of the European Commission and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will adapt to changes in the countries affected, whatever they may be.
Food Union in Latvia has responded to the call of the Ministry of Agriculture to aid the people of Ukraine by donating 26 tons of products.
Food Union products are exported to Ukraine. Ukraine is our second largest export country. We would like to continue shipping products to Ukraine if possible. Food Union exports to more than 30 countries, the largest of which (in terms of export volume in the portfolio) are Lithuania, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, Taiwan, Romania, Poland and others. We export an insignificant amount of ice cream to Kaliningrad, Russia in the amount of 1% of the total export portfolio.
The Food Union Group is a European manufacturer and distributor of ice cream and high value-added dairy products with companies in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark, Norway and Romania. Food Union has the leading market positions in the ice cream markets in the Baltic States and Denmark, and strong positions in Norway and Romania. The Food Union ice cream competence centre, responsible for developing products for Group’s European companies, is located in Riga.
Normunds Stanevics to resign from Food Union Group
February 8, 2022, RIGA, LATVIA – Europe’s CEO of Food Union, the international ice cream and dairy production and distribution group, Normunds Stanevics to resign from his position at Food Union Group in Europe as of February 4, 2022. The Board of Directors of the Food Union Group has already approved Arturs Cirjevskis, the former CFO of Food Union Group in Europe, in the position of CEO.
Arturs Cirjevskis has more than 10 years of experience in general management and operational finance in producing FMCG companies in Latvia. He has been with the Food Union Group since 2015 when Food Union acquired its third asset in Latvia, Rīgas Piensaimnieks Ltd, the owner of Latvian legacy mega brands Kārums (curd snacks and other delightful product categories), Dzintars (processed cheese) and Mājas (convenience food). Arturs Cirjevskis was then the CEO and Member of the Board at Rīgas Piensaimnieks, Ltd. After the merger process, Cirjevskis became the CFO of Food Union Group in Europe, and until now has been responsible for financial controlling, planning and treasury.
Food Union’s commercial strategy and business development in Denmark, Norway and Romania will be guided and supported by Aivar Aus, CEO of Premia TKH, Estonian flagship ice cream producer and No.1 ice cream brand in Estonia. Aivars’ almost 30 years of professional experience in the production and trade of ice cream brands, as well as the Premia’s constant growth over the past few years serve as a foundation for him to implement the next stage of the Group’s evolution together with seasoned team from Food Union Latvia branch.
As of November 17, Mihaela Cuturescu, the former CFO of Alpin57Lux, has been appointed the new CEO of Alpin57Lux, Romanian ice cream producer located in Sebes, Alba region. With decades of experience since its foundation in 1994 and continuous growth and focus on innovation, Alpin57Lux is among leading traditional players in ice cream, frozen food and pastry segments. Alpin57Lux employs over 500 people and produces over 100 SKUs with more than 10 brands, among which the most popular ones are premium ice cream Transalpina, heritage ice cream brand Fulg de Nea, low cal ice cream Suplette and kid’s ice cream brand Fixiki. Since 2016 Alpin57Lux is a part of international ice cream and dairy player Food Union Group.
“I am happy and grateful to be entrusted with leading the dedicated and passionate team of Alpin57Lux in our quest to accelerate the company’s growth. I have many plans to continue the transformation, energy, and determination for this new chapter. I think that we must capitalize on our strengths as a Romanian producer with a long-standing tradition, but also to have the courage to constantly innovate in a field full of life and effervescence,” comments Mihaela Cuturescu, CEO of Alpin57Lux, part of Food Union Group.
Mihaela Cuturescu has more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance with significant expertise in a range of processes part of transaction cycle, from origination to deployment in Romania. Previously, Mihaela was the Manager of Transaction Advisory Services at EY Romania, where she accumulated 10 years of experience in due diligence, corporate finance, financial external audit in healthcare, power and utilities, industrial goods, telecom or FMCG sectors. With Alpin57Lux joining the Food Union Group in 2016, Mihaela became the company’s CFO.
“Mihaela has been present at every step of the way of Alpin 57 Lux’s story since joining the Food Union Group. Over the years, we have managed to make several significant changes to the organization to keep pace with today’s business and market environment. I am pleased that she will now take over and continue building the organization that proudly represents both Romanian ice cream making traditions as well as consumer-centric innovations to stand the test of a complex and fairly saturated market of Romania,” adds Normunds Stanevics, CEO of Food Union Group in Europe.
ABOUT ALPIN57LUX
Alpin 57 Lux is one of the largest ice cream companies in Romania. Founded by Ioan Istrate as family business in 1994, the company became part of the international ice cream and dairy player Food Union Group in 2016. With decades of experience since its foundation and continuous growth and focus on innovation, Alpin 57 Lux is among leading traditional players in ice cream, pastry and frozen food segments. Alpin 57 Lux employs over 500 people and produces over 100 SKUs with more than 10 brands, among which the most popular ones are premium ice cream Transalpina, Fulg de Nea – black cone won “Product of the year title for innovating in ice cream category” in 2021, heritage ice cream brands like Polar and Sandwich, low callories ice cream Suplette and kid’s ice cream brands like Tedi (licensed brand, owned by Maspex Group Poland).
Since 2001 Alpin 57 Lux began production and distribution of a wide range of pastries and frozen bakery, taking up around 20% of total sales of Alpin 57 Lux together with frozen food. Alpin 57 Lux operates in the factory in Sebeș, Alba County. The factory is located on a new industrial platform, with modern production and storage spaces complying with IFS Food version 7, ISO 22 000:2018 and BSCI – The Business Social Compliance Initiative. Founder of Alpin57Lux, Ioan Istrate, remains with the company, as a non-executive member of the Board and Chairman.
ABOUT FOOD UNION
Food Union is a leading, innovative consumer goods company that develops local brands and delivers delightful products in Europe, Belarus, Russia, China and Pacific Asia. Food Union is currently the leading ice cream producer in the Baltics and Denmark, and the group holds a strong market position in Norway, Romania, Russia and Belarus.
Food Union Group is a dynamic player in the European dairy sector. They paved the way by developing and focusing on the acquisition of leading national brands across Europe. The Group is made up of the two of the largest dairy and ice-cream companies in Latvia – Rīgas piena kombināts and Valmieras piens. The Group also includes companies such as: Estonia’s and Lithuania’s largest ice cream makers Premia TKH and Premia KPC, the leading Danish ice cream producer Premier Is and Danish door-step-delivery ice cream company Hjem Is, Norway’s ice cream company Isbjørn Is and door-step-delivery ice cream company Den Norske Isbilen, Romanian ice cream maker Alpin57Lux, and ice cream company Ingman Ice Cream in Belarus and ice cream company Khladokombinat No.1 in Russia. The leading dairy group is backed by Hong Kong-based investment company Meridian Capital Limited, and one of Asia’s largest private capital firms PAG.
Return to natural ingredients signals high quality mark on expanding product category
This summer, Premia, a proud member of the international ice-cream group Food Union, saw an opportunity to focus on the premiumisation of its ice cream range and grow a new series of high-end products using real cream that creates an ultra-creamy sensation. This renaissance brings the industry full circle from a time when nearly all ice creams used real cream. Today producers are seeing the importance of getting back to basics and looking at the foundational ingredient that has been trusted to deliver on a rich, creamy feel; while consumers are seeking to find in the premium ice-cream category the use of wholesome ingredients which are a signature of quality.
The Estonian flagship ice cream producer Premia took the opportunity to develop a higher-level product line Premia Cream de le Cream and engage the consumers with a more luxurious, indulgent and ‘cream focused’ offering. It is characterized by saturated flavours of chocolate chip cookies and peanut cream or cookie dough and salted caramel sauce – nothing has been saved for Premia Cream de la Cream line to stand out.
Heading into this fall season, Premia is excited to announce this new product line based on its rich legacy. The Cream de la Cream line comes in three new flavours all infused by rich real cream and rich additives packaged in environmentally friendly PEFC-certified carboard tub offering the crème de la crème of decadent flavour ways:
EXPANDING THE PREMIA RANGE
500ml Tubs offering decadent dulcet delights
In addition to new Premia Cream de la Cream line, Premia has also created two 500ml carton tubs that cater for the ultimate dulcet treat: one with coffee ice cream with salted caramel filling and waffle balls in milk chocolate and the other bringing together vanilla ice cream with walnuts and maple syrup. The Premia 500ml tubs are environmentally friendly with PEFC-certification.
1 Litre ‘Shared Dessert’ Tubs cream it by delighting consumers with Panna Cotta flavour
Premia has created 1-liter ice creams tubs for sharing with family and friends that leverage the creamy and light texture of panna cotta, the beloved Italian cream dessert. Premia Panna Cotta ice cream with fresh raspberry jam is a perfect combination of flavours, where the rich raspberry sauce compliments the soft Panna cotta flavoured ice cream.
Trendy flavours, new ice cream sub-categories and further ice cream premiumisation among Autumn/ Winter trends
Recognized international ice cream developer and distributer, the Food Union Group continues to invest in developing new products to connect with consumers across key markets as it shows that frozen treats are just as delicious in autumn and winter as they are during the high summer season.
“Our innovation cycle is tailored to our goal of creating and delivering the products the consumer wants, where they want them and in the way they want them. From the idea or consumer insight to the sensory testing and packaging solution, everything must lead to a commercially successful product. This is how we see real consumer-centric innovation and how we measure our success,” says Normunds Stanevics, CEO of Food Union Group in Europe.
Summer novelties show results
For Summer season 2021 Food Union launched a record amount of 124 unique ice cream novelties across 8 markets. In most of the markets, the ice cream novelties designed by the Food Union Group companies showed a leading position in the local markets. For example, according to Nielsen value share data for the period May – August 2021, 8 of the Top10 new products in Latvia were presented by Food Union, 7 of the Top10 novel products in Estonia were Premia products, while 3 of the Top10 in Lithuania were Premia branded products. The commercial success of these products is a combination of a well-understood consumer need embodied in a quality product and delivered in a market-appropriate brand and price positioning.
Winter novelties sets a high bar
Gourmands can look forward to a Winter season of 2021 coloured by rich and saturated flavours across Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, and Danish markets. Food Union’s new product development team has worked on 16 novelties for the cold season based on consumer demands and preferences. Key trends Food Union Group focuses are:
Latvia: the art of mixology and innovative new category
Latvian culinary artistry brand Ekselence launched a total of 6 novelties for this Autumn/ Winter season with trendy rich and saturated flavours in both 0.5 litre tubs and 1 litre boxes available nationwide starting from week 46:
And 3 flavours in 1 litre packaging:
Legendary ice cream brand Pols continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary by introducing a totally new and innovative product category – ice cream bites. Produced in a form of “snow peaks” and covered in thick milk chocolate, are served in a biodegradable carton packaging of 15 pieces of candies in each for ultimate cold confectionary experience. Available nationwide from week 44.
Estonia: further premiumisation of ice cream and rich flavoured favours
Premia is offering new product line based on its legacy brand Premia named Cream de la Cream with three new products all infused by rich natural cream and delicious flavours packaged in environmentally friendly PEFC-certified carboard tubs and available in Estonia starting from week 48:
Premia will be also offering two 0.5 litre ice cream tubs in PEFC-certified carton that cater for the ultimate dulcet treat:
Premia series of 1-liter family ice creams will be supplemented with refreshing delicacy:
In addition to Premia brand, the well-known cartoon and film character Vanamees will return to ice cream freezers across Estonia with vanilla ice cream made from natural cream in a 1-liter family carton bricket package.
Lithuania: continuous celebrations with exciting new products
Pols in Lithuania continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary by launching three exciting products to provide enjoyment and special moments on any occasion:
Denmark: complementing the full ice cream experience
Premier Is in Denmark has recently launched its Mobile Ice Cream Store or a set of new accessories that brings ice cream store experience to one’s home. Building on the trends of more time spent at home with family and the rise of snacking, Premier Is now offers boxes of key ice cream accessories – wafer cones, eye catching sprinkles and sauces in addition to special ice cream spoon and tray together with the best ice cream made in Denmark at Hjem Is door-step-delivery ice cream trucks.
Norway: bringing ice cream closer to communities
Food Union companies in Norway continue its digitalization journey of the door-step-delivery segment – now launching it on a new arena. From this autumn on; a new community project is in pilot. The main objective is to bring the great experience and assortment of Isbilen door-step-delivery service an income opportunity to sports clubs and culture organizations all over Norway. The idea is rooted in community involvement, in which the non-profit organizations is creating income opportunities by activating its crowd in the fundraising.
Ekselence, one of the leading ice-cream brands in Latvia and a proud member of the international ice-cream group Food Union, has created an innovative range of ice-creams that offer unparalleled gourmet decadence and tap into warm cues of winter with a trendy new ice-cream range that transcends seasons.
“Ekselence is really focused on pushing sensory boundaries and developing products that are inspired by global lifestyle and food trends resulting in flavours that scintillate and excite consumers palates. From the world’s most popular drink coffee to the world’s little-known bird’s milk or milk souffle – Ekselence highlights these flavours on the foundation of creamy ice cream and continues to be at the forefront of the ice cream market,” Sandra Usacheva, Food Union ice cream brand manager, shared the new developments in the range.
“These all-season ice-creams use world class ingredients and tap into consumer desires for winter treats. Ekselence delivers a rich experience that ice-cream and dessert enthusiasts alike can appreciate in the warmth of one’s home and consistently create special moments for families and friends at home with ice cream in sizes for every gathering,” adds Sandra Usacheva.
Ekselence, that is recognized for its culinary artistry in ice-cream, launched a total of 6 novelties for this Autumn/ Winter season, offering rich and saturated flavours in both 0,5 litre and 1 litre boxes. Each ice cream is a culinary artform bringing together texture, layers and flavours into a signature of Ekselence. The products are tailored for true gourmands and deliver warm sensations to be enjoyed as a chilled winter dessert:
The range incorporates 3 flavours in 0,5 litre cardboard tubs:
And 3 flavours in 1 litre packaging:
All 6 new products will be available starting from week 46 nationwide in Latvia.
50 years and still innovating
One of Europe’s leading ice cream and dairy production and distribution groups Food Union is proud to announce an innovation for its legacy ice cream brand Pols – Pols ‘Snow Peaks’ – a box of cocoa glazed ice cream bites in a form of snow peaks. Emphasizing the company’s pedigree of half a decade in ice-cream, this celebratory box of 15-piece individual bite-size frozen delights is the perfect indulgence in the ice-cream confectionery segment. Encased in classic Pols designed and environmentally friendly packaging, the company continues to celebrate the brand’s 50-year anniversary.
With its iconic polar bear, Pols is a signature of an established and trusted ice-cream brand coming from the leading ice-cream producer in Latvia, Food Union. Continuing the snow-inspired theme, and echoing the shape of snow peaks, the new Pols ice cream bites range is chocolate enrobed and filled with the creamy rich, vanilla ice-cream that is the signature of Pols. The harmonious balance of milk chocolate made from cocoa butter is combined with the smooth finish of vanilla ice-cream made from the highest quality milk that will excite taste buds.
“This is about blurring lines of product categories and driving the innovation cycle with creativity,” said Sandra Usacheva, Food Union ice cream brand manager. “Food Union’s group of brands look to its connection with consumers to deliver highly unique ice cream experiences and creating a frozen confectionery that is the next level of innovation.”
Pols is firmly committed to simple, high-quality, natural ingredients with natural stabilisers or emulsifiers. By using creamy milk produced by local farmers, its signature recipe offers farm-fresh goodness and a richness of taste. As a result, the brand and its well-known polar bear logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence in the industry.
The new product was a creation of Food Union’s Riga based Ice Cream Competence Centre, where a talented team of R&D experts carefully develop and test ice cream recipes for both Latvian and export markets. Food Union developed the novelty, using company’s latest ice cream line, the purchase of which two years ago invested about 2 million euros.
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
The Pols ‘Snow Peaks’ ice cream bites are served in an easy-to-open and environmentally friendly biodegradable cardboard box, which, when released into the environment, breaks down completely without residue. This completely environmentally friendly packaging solution is used for the first time during the existence of the Pols brand. Each box contains indulgent trays of 15 ice creams with a total weight of 210 grams.
AVAILABILITY
The new “Pols” ice cream bites are already available in the “Food Union” online store in Latvia www.pienaveikals.lv, as well as starting from November will be available in the largest chain stores and small close-to-home shops throughout Latvia and Lithuania.
Food Union Group company Premia, the oldest and largest Estonian ice cream producer that marks its 65th anniversary this year, is venturing into the dairy market by launching curd snacks under its Väike Tom brand, so far known for its ice cream portfolio. This is one among many Food Union Group’s strategic steps to enter Estonian dairy market. The new curd snacks contain no preservatives, artificial colorants, vegetable fats or palm oil, and come packaged in environment-friendly packaging made by 50% of certified bio-based material.
“Little Tom’s (English for Väike Tom) thirst for adventure and cheerfulness characterize the essence of the curd snacks, which is why this blond boy, who has been entertaining, for more than 20 years now, children and adults who love ice cream, is now spearheading a completely new product category. The result is exactly what we wanted: a popular curd snack made from natural components, with a minimum number of ingredients and a pleasant, delicate texture,” Premia CEO Aivar Aus described the new snacks.
The cocoa-glazed Väike Tom curd snacks are available in four different flavors: curd snack with ice cream flavor, curd snack with banana flavor, vanilla curd snack with chocolate chips, and chocolate curd snack with chocolate chips. Premia uses natural flavors and additives to achieve a special taste, for instance, genuine banana additive and chocolate chips. The curd snacks are coated with cocoa glaze made of ingredients commonly used in home cooking, such as cocoa, butter and sugar.
The snacks’ packaging is made of an ISCC-certified material that is 50% bio-based. Since the packaging material is by 50% made of a renewable natural resource – waste from the wood processing industry, it is a more sustainable alternative to conventional packaging.
“This is one among many Food Union Group’s strategic steps to capitalize on Estonian dairy market. In Estonia, as in Latvia, the culture of consuming high-quality and fresh dairy products is widespread, and curd snacks are not new as a category. We are already leading the curd snack category with Kārums produce, while our Väike Tom products come in as a unique combination of clean recipes, excellent taste combinations and sustainable packaging in this saturated product category. We will not stop with it, soon we plan to delight Estonian consumers with other delicious and healthy dairy products,” Normunds Stanevics, Food Union Group CEO comments plans for expansion in the dairy market.
The new Väike Tom curd snacks are sold at COOP, Selver, Rimi, Maxima and Prisma stores across Estonia.
ABOUT PREMIA TKH
AS Premia Tallinna Külmhoone was established in 1956, in 2020 the company was a convincing leader on the Estonian ice cream market with a market share of 39%. Premia’s brands Eriti Rammus and Väike Tom are the top favorites with ice cream lovers in Estonia. The company is part of the international Food Union Group, which includes the leading ice cream and dairy producers in the Baltics, Denmark, Norway, Romania, Russia and Belarus.
ABOUT FOOD UNION
Food Union is currently the leading ice cream producer in the Baltics and Denmark, and the group holds a strong market position in Norway, Romania, Russia and Belarus. A leading, innovative consumer goods company, Food Union develops local brands and delivers delightful products in the premium snacking, ice-cream and dairy categories.
Food Union is a dynamic player in the European dairy and ice cream sector. It paved the way by developing and focusing on the acquisition of leading national brands across Europe. The Group is made up of two of the largest dairy and ice-cream companies in Latvia – Rīgas piena kombināts and Valmieras piens. The Group also includes Estonia’s and Lithuania’s largest ice cream makers Premia TKH and Premia KPC, the leading Danish ice cream producer Premier Is and Danish doorstep-delivery ice cream company Hjem-Is Danmark, Norway’s ice cream company Isbjørn Is and doorstep-delivery ice cream company Den Norske Isbilen, Romanian ice cream maker Alpin 57 Lux, ice cream company Ingman Ice Cream in Belarus, and ice cream company Khladokombinat No.1 in Russia.
Food Union Group is backed by Hong Kong-based investment company Meridian Capital Limited, and one of Asia’s largest private capital firms, PAG.
Food Union, the international dairy and ice cream production and distributing group, is proud to announce one of the icons in its portfolio has celebrated its 50-year anniversary. Pols has cemented its place in the hearts of consumers for half a decade and is now recognized widely as the oldest ice cream brand in Latvia, making it a cornerstone in the Food Union portfolio.
Since its inception in 1971, Pols’ classic recipe has endured as a mark of ‘farm-fresh’ quality and remains unchanged to this day. Pols is highly committed to simple, high-quality, natural ingredients with no preservatives or emulsifiers and perhaps, more than ever, the consumer market values this ethos. By using creamy milk produced by local farmers, its signature recipe offers farm-fresh goodness and a richness of taste. As a result, the brand and its well-known polar bear logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence and innovations in the industry.
Since opening Latvia’s first industrial scale ice-cream factory in 1971, the brand has prided itself on its balance of tradition with an innovative culture which has ensured it remains top of mind and has enjoyed continued success and longevity.
Sandra Usacheva, Pols Brands Manager, said:
“This is a massive achievement in terms of building a brand that not only endures but also innovates, capturing hearts and market-share and during the past 50 years Pols has succeeded at becoming an iconic brand in the Baltic States and is showing impressive results in South East Asia. I feel great pride in having reached this milestone and would like to give my thanks to everyone who has contributed to this landmark achievement throughout Pols’ history.”
From bold formats, bright colors to non-standard sizes and imaginative flavors, Pols’ commitment to innovation has produced a delicious array of top-selling ice cream products throughout its history by:
Normunds Stanevics. CEO of Food Union Group Europe, notes:
“The Food Union portfolio is committed to building a compendium of power-brands that resonate with consumers and offer long-term value. It is the power to endure, grow and innovate over time that cements market leadership and true brand value. Pols, as one of the oldest ice-cream brands in our group, is focused on long-term brand fundamentals that have endured 50 years through being focused on quality, staying true to their roots and yet staying fresh through new innovative formats. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved.”
Over its 50-year history, Pols has continued to grow and offer its products to an expanding international market and currently exports across Baltic States, as well as South East Asian countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.