Fazer invests $US466M in CO₂-free chocolate factory in Finland

FINLAND – Fazer Group has invested approximately €400 million (US$466 million) in the construction of a new chocolate factory in Lahti, Finland, as part of its efforts to modernise its production capabilities by 2028.

The factory will integrate advanced technology aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing product innovation. 

Due to its electrification and comprehensive energy recycling systems, the factory is designed to operate with zero CO2 emissions.

This initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the food and beverage industry, as companies increasingly seek to minimise their carbon footprints.

It will also incorporate automated production lines and new technologies designed to produce innovative chocolate products, leveraging Fazer’s extensive expertise in the sector.

“This investment is the largest in Fazer’s history and reinforces our belief in the competitiveness of Finnish food production in international markets,” Christoph Vitzthum, president and CEO of Fazer Group, highlighted the significance of this investment not only for the company but also for the Finnish food industry as a whole.

The construction phase is projected to create over 500,000 working hours, employing hundreds of professionals across various fields. 

This investment is expected to boost both domestic and international growth for Fazer, which currently accounts for 15% of Finnish food exports.

The financing for the factory will be structured through long-term debt, complemented by a newly established green finance framework. This framework will enable Fazer to issue green financial instruments, including loans, leasing agreements and bonds, further highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. 

Additionally, the project has received support from Business Finland’s Clean Transition Industrial Investment Programme, which aims to accelerate the green transformation of Finnish industry by funding initiatives that promote energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Fazer’s national footprint

This landmark investment builds on Fazer’s well-established national footprint. Fazer began planning the new factory in early 2022, with various stages of development leading to the current investment decision. 

The company has a long history in Finland, employing over 4,000 people across multiple production facilities.

While Lahti will now house the new state-of-the-art chocolate facility, it already hosts several of the company’s operations, including Fazer’s mill, crisps factory, a large bakery, a gluten-free bakery, and its xylitol production site. 

Vantaa, on the other hand, will continue to accommodate a portion of chocolate production along with the biscuit factory, a major bakery, head office functions, and the Fazer Experience Visitor Centre. 

In Lappeenranta, Fazer operates a large bakery and a confectionery factory producing beloved products such as salty liquorice, marmalades, and other xylitol-based sweets.

Across Finland, the company also runs 139 Shop-in-Shop bakeries, 24 Fazer Cafés, and 13 Gateau bakery shops.

The new chocolate factory will not only embody Fazer’s rich heritage in confectionery but also mark a leap toward future-proofed, sustainable production rooted in advanced technology and clean energy.

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