Valio Group net sales in 2021 were EUR 1,918 million, up 6.1% on the previous year (EUR 1,808 million). Domestic net sales increased by 10.9 percent, and international net sales fell by 0.7 percent. The coronavirus pandemic affected domestic consumption and was visible in the growth in retail sales. HoReCa sales increased considerably with the acquisition of Heinon Tukku. In the challenging situation, the successful business operations enabled Valio to keep the raw milk price paid to the cooperatives higher than the average European price. The milk return increased, as in previous years. In April 2022, the basic raw milk price paid to the cooperatives was 8.5 cents higher than in the previous year.
Valio improved its profitability and recorded a good financial performance in 2021, despite the fact that a second consecutive year of coronavirus impacted Valio’s operations in all markets. At the same time, the dairy product business continued to strengthen: in the domestic dairy market Valio focused on its much-loved consumer brands, and in international markets on value-added ingredients for industrial customers.
Valio’s domestic net sales were EUR 1,178 million (EUR 1,062 million). The coronavirus pandemic increased retail sales and our hotel, restaurant and catering (HoReCa) business. People cooked a lot at home, and retail sales continued to grow on the previous year. Eating at restaurants increased in the summer when restrictions were loosened and diners returned to the cities and their workplaces. HoReCa sales increased considerably compared to 2020.
Said Annikka Hurme, Valio’s CEO: “I am especially proud of the fact that we were able for the second consecutive coronavirus year to grow our net sales, strengthen our result, and advance our strategy with determination. We succeeded in securing our employees’ health and, despite the challenging conditions, our personnel managed to keep all Valio’s factories operating normally throughout the year; delivery reliability to customers continuously exceeded 99 per cent.” For more visit Valio.com
