--- title: "Valio 120 years" date: 2025-03-06 author: "Jaakko Linnalaakso" featured_image: "https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/120years_hero_1920x1080.jpg" --- # Valio 120 years ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/valio_toast_v2.jpg)![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/valio_120y.png) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_BLUE.png) High quality has been the cornerstone of our operations from the very beginning. The name, Valio, was chosen all the way back in 1905 in our founding moments to indicate our dedication to quality. The word Valio refers to high quality, and only dairies producing good quality butter were allowed to become members of the Valio cooperative. ![Valio butter.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/valio_butter_v2.jpg)![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_WHITE.png) ## It all started with butter Valio was founded in 1905 when Finnish dairy farmers set up the Valio cooperative to export the highest quality Finnish butter to the world. Today, we still honor that legacy while evolving into a global leader in dairy and food solutions. Valio exports to 50 countries, supporting ambitious food brands across industries like dairy, chocolate, ice cream, and infant nutrition. [Butter, but better](https://www.valio.com/offering/valio-butter-for-clean-label-baking-products/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_BLUE.png) ## Innovation has always been integral to Valio From pioneering lactose free dairy milk to groundbreaking ingredient solutions, innovation has been in our DNA since the beginning. Valio’s commitment to research is reflected in our 350+ patents and a history of scientific excellence, including a Nobel Prize awarded to A.I. Virtanen, who led Valio’s first R&D lab. Our mission is to renew the food system, combining nutritional expertise with cutting-edge solutions that help our customers succeed. [Explore Valio’s 120-year journey](https://www.valio.com/we-are-valio/history/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_BLUE.png) ## Looking ahead: 120 years of food innovation As we celebrate 120 years, we’re evolving from a dairy company into a food company. The world is changing, and Valio is changing with it—continuing to create premium dairy-based ingredients and innovative food solutions that meet the needs of modern consumers. Whether through high-protein solutions, lactose free innovations, or sustainable food system transformations, we are shaping the next 120 years of the industry. [Why choose Valio?](https://www.valio.com/why-choose-valio/) ![Milk research.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/03/Labra_Maito_EDIT-800x601.jpg) ![Person drinking milk.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/03/2024_09_10_TK_Valio_0200_EDIT-800x601.jpg)![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_BLUE.png) ## Helping food companies thrive globally Valio doesn’t just create great dairy products—we help our partners build successful food brands. With over a century of experience in food science, we provide high-quality ingredients, deep consumer insight, and expertise in branding and product development. From dairy, bakery and confectionery to infant and specialised nutrition, Valio helps companies craft products that consumers love. [Explore our B2B solutions](https://www.valio.com/industries/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/shutterstock_offset_1876408813.jpg)![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_WHITE.png) ## Quality, taste, and sustainability at the core Our success is built on an unwavering commitment to premium quality and delicious taste. As we mark 120 years, we invite you to join us in celebrating the future of food—where high-quality dairy meets sustainable innovation. We are commited to carbon-neutral milk chain by 2035, ensuring our ingredients provide superior taste, texture, and functionality—whether in dairy, chocolate, ice cream, or specialised nutrition. [Learn about our sustainability efforts](https://www.valio.com/sustainability/) ![](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/02/STAR_OF_EXCELLENCE_BIG_RGB_BLUE.png) ## **Meet us at upcoming events** We’re attending numerous events this year, connecting with food industry professionals to explore new opportunities and innovations. As we celebrate 120 years of expertise, join us to discuss how we can support your business with dairy solutions and nutrition for all life stages. [Events](https://www.valio.com/events-and-publications/) ![Valio team at an event.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2025/03/valio_team_contact-800x659.jpg) ## Read our latest news Stay up to date with our latest innovations and updates. [![Ekviton](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/05/Oulu-Ylikiiminki-300x300.jpg) News ##### St1 and Valio establish Ekviton Oy to advance emission reductions in Finland 27. May 2026 ](https://www.valio.com/news/st1-and-valio-establish-ekviton-oy-to-advance-emission-reductions-in-finland/) [![The picture shows cows in a pasture.](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/05/Illallinen_kansallismaisemassa_S01_eps_008-1-300x300.jpg) News ##### Valio’s sustainability bonus encourages dairy farms to improve animal welfare and reduce the climate impact of milk production 21. May 2026 ](https://www.valio.com/news/valios-sustainability-bonus-encourages-dairy-farms-to-improve-animal-welfare-and-reduce-the-climate-impact-of-milk-production/) [![Valio Oulu production plant](https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/05/Valio-Oulun-tehdas-300x300.jpg) News ##### Valio plans to relocate production of Oulu factory to Riihimäki, Jyväskylä and Joensuu – change negotiations to begin 18. May 2026 ](https://www.valio.com/news/valio-plans-to-relocate-production-of-oulu-factory-to-riihimaki-jyvaskyla-and-joensuu-change-negotiations-to-begin/) [See all news](https://www.valio.com/articles/?topic=news)