SUNFLY: Pioneering Plant-Based Products from Sunflower Seeds
SUNFLY , an Estonian company, has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the food industry with its innovative plant-based products derived from sunflower seeds. In a recent interview, the founders shed light on their journey, market expansion plans, and the significance of their participation in international trade events.
The idea for SUNFLY stemmed from a desire to maximize the potential of sunflower seeds, which were primarily being processed into oil and animal feed. Recognizing the untapped potential for creating nutritious food products from sunflower seeds, SUNFLY was founded in August 2020. Moreover, the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives in 2020 further fueled their motivation to introduce sustainable and protein-rich options to the market.
Market Presence and Expansion
While SUNFLY initially focused on the Estonian market, their products have quickly gained traction, with distribution in over 100 stores (COOP, Kaubamaja, Selver, Grossi) across the country.
Looking ahead, SUNFLY aims to expand its footprint globally, with plans to enter markets in France & Portugal in April-May 2024, and the UAE hopefully during 2024. UK market entry is planned as soon as this month, as SUNFLY will launch in the iconic retail store – Selfridges from 15th of April.
By strategically positioning themselves in key regions, SUNFLY anticipates that export sales will constitute a significant portion of their revenue within a few years.
"After a few years we expect to have 90% to export sales. We have an experienced team, that knows how to do it." - highlights CEO and co-founder Dmitri Eivin .
Participation in events like Gulfood - The World's Biggest Annual F&B Event in Dubai has opened doors for SUNFLY to explore opportunities in the Middle East region. Recognizing the high demand for peanut butter and tahini alternatives in these markets, SUNFLY's sunflower seed butter offers a compelling allergen-friendly option, aligning with consumer preferences.
Identifying Market Potential
Dmitri Eivin added that they are very interested in the GCC area - mainly focusing on entering UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
"All 5 sunflower seed butter flavors are ideal for Middle East and Asia, as it is the only allergen-friendly alternative on the market." - highlighted Eivin.
Leveraging their 10-year experience in sunflower seed processing, SUNFLY aims to cater to diverse consumer preferences and dietary requirements in these regions.
"Enterprise Estonia has played a crucial role in SUNFLY's export initiatives, providing valuable support for their participation in trade events like Gulfood". - added Eivin.
Looking ahead, SUNFLY anticipates that these expos will serve as pivotal platforms for forging partnerships with distributors and retailers, ultimately facilitating market penetration and growth.
In conclusion, SUNFLY's journey underscores the potential of innovative plant-based solutions to meet evolving consumer demands and address sustainability challenges in the food industry. With a clear vision and strategic expansion plans, SUNFLY is poised to make a significant impact on the global market while championing health-conscious and environmentally friendly alternatives.