Human and Society

Our long-term goals

We’re committed to encouraging people to get outdoors and live actively. Our meals are designed to taste great and keep you full for longer. To support better choices, we’re steadily reducing sugar and salt content. Our goal is for over 50% of our meals to be plant-based or fish-based. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy REAL meals.

A good workday starts and ends with well-being. We want people to thrive and stay with us for the long run in Tromsø.

Trond-Børre Hansen, CEO

To reach our 2030 target we must

Ensure employee safety and well-being

Our goal is zero injuries, and the key to this lies in fostering a culture of openness. We empower employees to speak up about safety concerns and share ideas for improvement. Invest and develop smart solutions to avoid heavy lifting and monotonous work.

Foster culture of learning and innovation

We play an important role in developing skilled workers for the Norwegian food industry. In the years of transformation ahead, it’s essential to strengthen the skills within our workforce.

Contribute to public health

Inspire active, healthy living in people and communities through our products. Develop our taste and use of ingredients to ensure lower content of sugar and salt and increase use of vegetables, fruit and berries within our meals.

Make nutritionally balanced meals

Design meals with focus on nutrition and energy requirements, particularly for active users for balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Stay inclusive and allergen-friendly

Offer diverse meals that accommodate dietary needs — including vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.

Our approach

We take a holistic view of responsibility—one that prioritizes employee well-being, food system resilience, and continuous learning. Our approach is built on a foundation of safety, health, inclusion, and innovation, aiming to deliver value to both people and society.

Inside the company, we work continuously to ensure a safe, supportive, and forward-looking workplace. Health and safety are core priorities, managed proactively through training, regular audits, and open communication. We follow Norwegian HSE regulations and aim for a zero-injury work environment, empowering employees to speak up about concerns and improvements. At the same time, we foster a culture of learning where skill-building and innovation are encouraged across all levels. Through structured development plans, hands-on training, and a commitment to apprenticeships, we help shape a competent workforce ready to meet future demands. This investment in people strengthens our organization and ensures we grow together—safely, sustainably, and with purpose.

Beyond our walls, we recognize our role in contributing to public health and well-being. Our meals are developed to support active lifestyles, emergency preparedness, and nutritional needs in a wide range of scenarios—from outdoor adventures to crisis situations. Designed to deliver lasting energy and balanced nutrition, our products encourage people to stay active, and are suitable for those with specific dietary needs. By offering allergen-friendly options and ensuring long shelf life, we promote safe, and inclusive food solutions. This is how we contribute to a stronger, more resilient society—one meal, one initiative, and one partnership at a time.

Impact so far

Ensure employee safety and well-being

During 2024

Zero injuries
Employee presence increases
- 2023: 89% – 2024: 92%

To reduce heavy work, ongoing projects in our kitchen and freeze-drying facilities will help lower the amount of lifting.

Foster culture of learning and innovation

Collaboration across areas of expertise is key to our development. Several employees are advancing through the Industrial Leadership School by SINTEF Manufacturing, gaining both theoretical and practical training in LEAN, with a focus on identifying and reducing production waste.

In 2024, one of our apprentices also earned a vocational certificate in automation—an important step in building future-ready skills.

Contribute to public health

Since 2016, we’ve reformulated our entire product range, achieving an average 10% reduction in salt and sugar content.

At the same time, we’ve strengthened our efforts in social media, REAL sponsorships, and targeted communication.

By making nutritious, convenient meals available, REAL Meals help people of all ages stay active and enjoy outdoor recreation—key elements in Norwegian public health. REAL supports everyday movement, helping reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and supporting better mental well-being.

Make nutritionally balanced meals

Our REAL Turmat soups now come in smaller portions yet nutritious options, tailored for lighter outdoor activities.

For more demanding days, REAL Field Meal offers higher energy content to meet intense physical needs.

Together with our suppliers, we’re also developing plant-based protein ingredients—ensuring our vegan meals deliver the right balance of fat and protein for proper nourishment in the outdoors.

Stay inclusive and allergen-friendly

We continue expanding our range to support diverse dietary needs. In 2020, 41% of our meals were vegan, vegetarian, or fish-based—thanks to the dedication of our skilled developers and chefs. By 2024, that number rose to 50%.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re focusing on new meals featuring traditional Norwegian ingredients like Arctic salmon and high-quality potatoes grown under ideal conditions—making our menu both inclusive and rooted in local food culture.

Key steps moving forward

Moving forward, we will continue strengthening our internal culture of health, safety, and continuous learning. This includes deeper employee involvement in HSE practices, more structured development opportunities, and a renewed focus on open communication and knowledge-sharing across the company. By enhancing training programs and expanding apprenticeships, we aim to support individual growth and long-term organizational resilience.

At the same time, we will further develop our contribution to public health through product innovation and accessibility. This means expanding inclusive meal options, reinforcing the nutritional value of our offerings, and maintaining high standards for food safety and shelf life. We also see opportunities to promote active lifestyles and emergency preparedness through clearer communication and strategic partnerships—ensuring that our products continue to support people in everyday life and times of need.

Latest actions

Human and Society

Increased focus on human capital

Through the “Productivity Leap” project, we combine advanced robotics with skilled human operators—particularly Team Pouch Pack—to boost efficiency and reduce waste, materials, and energy use. By adopting Lean principles, we drive continuous improvement and reinforce the vital role of human expertise in achieving sustainable production.
Read more: Increased focus on human capital