Oats are on the roll - Finnish organic oats are the way to growth and to people's hearts

Organic oats appeal to consumers due to their premium quality and overall health benefits. At Raisio, we believe that even in the current challenging economic times, organic oats present growth opportunities.

How to argue the often higher price of organic products to customers? This is the question the manufacturers often face in these tough economic times.

The organic sector has faced challenges in some European markets due to consumers being increasingly cautious about spending money on premium priced products, which organic products often are due to their higher prices.

The current economic state has led many consumers to search for cheaper alternatives due to inflation and uncertainty.

Creating greater value for the consumer and leveraging the images of health, safety and sustainability associated with organic products are the key to maintaining the appeal of organic brands. By combining quality, ethical values, and health benefits, consumers are more likely to get their money's worth.

One solution to this problem is to use organic oats, especially those grown in Finland. The positive attributes of Finnish oats reinforce the image that consumers associate with organic products, which can help to justify their higher price.

Safe and sustainable

Finnish oats are known for their good quality, which is guaranteed by strict quality control, clean nature, and exceptional weather conditions.

“Finnish agriculture is known as one of the strictest when it comes to food safety. Oats are grown by contract farmers, which means great traceability and safety. We keep testing the quality of our oats throughout the supply chain”, explains Heidi Romu, Export Manager at Raisio Food Solutions.

In some other countries there are sometimes problems with the use of pesticides and people prefer organic for health reasons. In Finland, the use of glyphosate is prohibited during the growing season. In the winter, the soil freezes and conditions are harsh. Harmful pests don't like Finland's special weather conditions, which means fewer pesticides are needed. As a result, there are fewer residues in the produce.

One important aspect of sustainability is also carbon neutrality and energy used in Raisio oat mill is also 100% carbon neutral.

Nordic's best kept secret - and naturally gluten-free

Oats are a less familiar grain to many people. However, it is worth noting that oats are naturally gluten-free, which is not widely known. Oats are a versatile option compared to other grain due to their nutrition-rich and gluten-free nature and neutral taste.

“In Finland there is a long tradition in farming oats for human consumption, and oats have long been recognized for their health benefits, sustainability, and versatility. At Raisio, we are proud to offer a variety of safe, premium-quality organic oat products that are gluten-free”, Romu says.

One reason consumers are interested in organic products even in tougher economic times is that health consciousness has increased. Even with tighter budgets, consumers are putting their well-being first. Recommended by nutritionists around the world, oats have become the preferred choice for conscious consumers.

Oats are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Beta-glucan, a unique fibre of oats, is a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood glucose spikes after meals. Additionally, consuming enough of these fibers can improve digestion. These health benefits are also approved by EFSA and official health claims can be used if conditions are met.

Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, they are often grown and processed alongside other grains, causing gluten contamination that exceeds official limits. Raisio's gluten-free oats are not contaminated because we use several elaborate cleaning steps on our mill to ensure the gluten-free status.

Oats have a neutral taste that pairs well with many foods. The nutty flavor makes it a great choice for breakfast solutions and snacks. In addition, a very large non-dairy category has emerged, with oats being the fastest growing ingredient.

Wide selection and a bright future

Finnish organic oats are an excellent ingredient for many different solutions. We at Raisio offer organic and gluten-free oat ingredients suitable for many end products. Our oats allow for minimally processed organic end products such as oatmeal, cereal, bars and baked goods.

Our selection includes:

• Oat kernels
• Oat groats
• Oat flakes
• Rolled oats
• Oat flours
• Oat brans

At Raisio, we see a bright future for oat-based organic products, even in challenging times. The benefits of oats support the image associated with organic, and a higher price may be easier to justify for oat products than for other grains.

“In addition, the interest in gluten-free diets goes beyond allergies, with a growing number of consumers avoiding gluten as a lifestyle choice. The combination of organic and gluten-free can further strengthen the consumer image of a high-quality and healthy product”, Romu concludes.

Let's work together to find the best oats for your needs. Contact us, ask more and tell us your needs and we will help you!