YOOK, an Estonian oat drink producer, has won the main award in the health products category at the Gulfood 2024 international food fair in Dubai.
YOOK Production AS launched the first oat drink factory in the Baltics in Turi on Feb. 12, initially introducing three products with different flavors. The products, made from whole grain oats, include a gluten-free barista drink; an organic drink; and a vitamin and calcium-enriched oat drink. YOOK uses only organic whole grain oats in its production for a better taste and to ensure the high quality of its products.
Just a week later, on Feb. 19, the Estonian oat drink was awarded a significant international recognition.
“YOOK won the Gulfood Innovation Award, which can easily be considered the Oscar of the food world. We are very proud and happy to keep YOOK and Estonian food in focus and promote it,” Katre Kovask, CEO of YOOK Production AS, said.
Currently, YOOK’s factory can produce up to 20 million liters of oat drinks per year. The products will first hit the shelves, cafes and restaurants in Estonia, before moving on to larger markets.
“In Asia, we are mainly interested in South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, and we are also looking at Singapore and Indonesia. The Gulf states are a focus as well, and we are definitely looking for market opportunities in Western Europe. But we start at home. Today we are on the shelves in Estonia, with Latvia and Lithuania up next.”
Led by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, 18 Estonian companies are participating in a joint stand at this year’s Gulfood fair. In addition to YOOK, other Estonian companies represented include Balsnack International Holding AS, EBM Grupp AS, Haage Joogid OU, Iktos OU, Revala OU, Saku Olletehase AS, Salvest AS, Valio Eesti AS, Oselwise OU, AS A. Le Coq, Siidrikoda OU, OU Vegestar, Puljong OU, Nordmel OU, Rosena DK OU, Sume Green OU, and Sunfly OU.
Source: BNS
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