HKFoods PLC has outlined a refreshed sustainability roadmap that will guide the company’s actions from 2026 to 2028, concentrating on the areas that matter most to its business and stakeholders. The updated direction builds on work already underway, but now includes clearly defined targets approved by the board of directors.
The programme spans environmental responsibility, people and communities, animal welfare, and strong governance and corporate culture. While climate action and workplace safety continue to underpin the company’s approach, greater emphasis will be placed on biodiversity, producer relationships, food that supports wellbeing, and the ethical foundations of the organisation.
Environmental goals remain a central focus. HKFoods plans to further cut greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and value chain, keeping its long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To address biodiversity loss, the company will introduce environmental impact calculations in primary production, including poultry, pig and cattle farming. Additional measures include evaluating water pollution from contract farms, reducing overall waste, and improving the recyclability of packaging materials.
Animal welfare initiatives will be expanded across species. In poultry production, foot pad scoring will be used to demonstrate ongoing improvements in broiler welfare alongside efforts to limit antibiotic use. National welfare schemes will support progress in pig and cattle production, while targeted actions will also address animal wellbeing during transport and processing.
People and communities form another key pillar of the plan. HKFoods aims to strengthen occupational safety and employee wellbeing, while also fostering a producer community that is both competitive and socially sustainable. On the consumer side, the company intends to broaden its range of foods that contribute positively to health, including products positioned as heart-friendly, while maintaining a strong emphasis on food safety.
Good governance and a responsible corporate culture underpin all areas of the programme. The company is reinforcing ethical and sustainable practices through its Code of Conduct and related policies, and it expects suppliers to align with the same standards as part of its wider value chain.
Headquartered in Finland, HKFoods is a major food company in northern Europe with operations spanning poultry, pork and beef, as well as processed and convenience foods sold under several established brands. The group exports to around 50 countries and employs close to 3,600 people. In its most recent full financial year, the company reported net sales of approximately €1 billion and has indicated improving profitability based on recent performance. In recent years, HKFoods has streamlined its operations by divesting businesses in the Baltic region, Sweden and Denmark, and changes to its board structure are scheduled to take effect at the end of 2025.
