Koskenkorva Distillery: Largest Grain User in Finland

Koskenkorva, Finland’s largest grain consumer, produces not only spirits but also surprising byproducts.

The Koskenkorva distillery, operated by Anora, is the country’s largest grain user, processing approximately 200,000 tons annually. While the consumption of Koskenkorva vodka is declining, the production of its base alcohol, or “tislee,” remains high, with around 35 million liters produced yearly. Only 1.7 million liters are used for the flagship vodka, while the rest is utilized in nearly 200 other products, including industrial applications.

The distillery’s operations reflect the state of Finland’s economy. “When the distillery is running at full capacity, the economic situation is good,” said Arttu Kivi, the plant manager. The facility operates around the clock with a staff of three, thanks to extensive automation.

In addition to vodka and animal feed, the distillery produces heat energy. The industrial symbiosis between Anora’s distillery and A-rehu’s feed plants makes production efficient and resource-saving. At its peak, the plants together can process up to 500,000 tons of grain annually, accounting for nearly a fifth of Finland’s total grain demand.

The grain used must be of high quality, with a hectoliter weight of at least 60 kilograms and a moisture content of less than 14 percent. Farmers, like Veli-Pekka Aila from Ylistaro, must carefully monitor grain growth and market prices, as thin margins make timing crucial for profitability. The price of grain has fluctuated significantly, with the war in Ukraine causing a near-doubling of prices before they fell again.

Source: Yle