About us
A Finnish family-owned company
The Snellman Group is a Finnish family-owned company whose story began in Pietarsaari in 1951. Over the years, the small family business has grown into a group, but our operations remain just as people-focused and transparent as ever. Local production, collaboration with local producers, pure ingredients and high-quality products have remained at the heart of our operations for over seven decades.
Quality has never been compromised
The brothers Kurt and Lars Snellman wanted to make better, higher-quality products that tasted good. So they set up a sausage factory in a basement flat in the wooden-house district of Skata, in Pietarsaari. In 1956, the business was incorporated, and the three younger brothers – Karl, Per and Henry – bacame shareholders as well. When Snellman’s Meat and Sausage began operations in the basement of the wooden house, it had just three customers in Pietarsaari.
The company’s operations were based on two principles: you have to make your own sausages if you want them to be good, AND quality is more important than quantity. This long-term commitment to producing better products continues to this day.
A people-centred company
Since 2005, Snellman has operated as a Group. Currently our operations are divided into four business units: Meat Processing, Ready Meals Finland, Ready Meals Sweden and Petfood.
Although a small family business has, over time, grown into a Group and a major Finnish food company, we have maintained a people-centred and open approach to our operations.
This is how we have grown
1951
The brothers Kurt and Lars Snellman founded a family business in Pietarsaari.
1960s
Our business expands and we become a recognised manufacturer of high-quality meat products.
1970s
As the business expanded, the Skata factory was extended. A focus on whole-meat products became Snellman’s speciality.
1980s
Snellman’s products were sold throughout the country. The Skata factory was a hive of activity and was starting to feel cramped. Not even in their wildest dreams could the brothers have imagined that the business would outgrow the premises on Amerikankatu.
1990s
A new factory was completed in Kuusisaari, just outside Pietarsaari, in 1993, at which point the cutting and dispatch departments were relocated there. Later in the 1990s, Snellman also launched the ‘Maatilan Parhaat’ primary production model.
2000s
Snellman’s business continued to grow strongly. Kuusisaari production facility was further expanded with a new dispatch centre and a salami production facility. Major acquisitions included Kokkikartano in 2006, the company producing Mr. Panini in 2008 and the Swedish company Carolines Kök in 2009. Snellman became a Group.
2010s
Our growth continued, and in 2011 we expanded our operations into pet food. First with the MUSH brand and later, in 2018, we strengthened our position in the Swedish pet food market by acquiring the Swedish Fodax brand.
2020s
Today, Snellman Group is a leading Finnish food company whose brands are renowned for their quality and taste. The Group comprises four business units; its home markets are Finland and Sweden, but it also operates in the United Kingdom.
