3 Kaveria

Baking is also done at the Ice Cream Factory

Virtasalmen Viljatuote developed a gluten-free flour blend tailored to 3 Kaveria’s specific needs. This blend is used in the original Gingerbread Ice Cream, which has been on the market for over five years, and its vegan version launched in 2024, as well as in the Mud Cake Ice Cream. The gingerbread and mud cake are baked in-house at the same factory located in Kivikko.

“Our collaboration with Viljatuote began from our need to find a domestic, reliable partner for gluten-free flour blends. Viljatuote’s expertise and interest in product development were significant. They understood our needs, and together we were able to quickly create precisely the right flour blend that works in our products,” says Marko Sukander, responsible for product development at 3 Kaveria ice creams.

“The uninterrupted availability of raw materials and the reliability of deliveries are also important factors for us when selecting suppliers and ensuring production continuity,” states Purchasing Manager Heidi Kaipiainen. “In this regard, Viljatuote has succeeded one hundred percent so far.”

Gluten-Free is Today’s and Tomorrow’s Competitive Advantage

Manufacturing gluten-free products is a clear competitive advantage for 3 Kaveria, as many competitors still offer a quite limited selection of gluten-free options. As the market grows, 3 Kaveria has been well-positioned to meet the increasing demand. Currently, 3 Kaveria ice creams are sold in Sweden in addition to Finland.

“We still see growth potential with our products that serve those following special diets. We want to continue to closely follow trends and respond to consumer wishes,” states Production Director Micael Saranpää. “Our collaboration with Virtasalmen Viljatuote is part of this strategy, and we hope it continues in the same manner – precisely, flexibly, and taking our future needs into account.”

✅ 3 Kaveria are Heikki Huotari, Ilkka Wikholm, and Sauli Saarnisto
✅ Founded in Helsinki in 2012, with domestic Sentica Partners Oy as the main owner since 2021
✅ Focuses on responsibility and high-quality, locally sourced raw materials.
✅ In addition to cream ice creams, offers vegan and lactose-free tubs, cones, and sticks
✅ All 3 Kaveria ice creams are gluten-free.
✅ Turnover in 2024 was approximately 15 million euros
✅ The company employs 40 people