Summary

‘Arctic Warriors’ started from an appreciation by three friends that Lapland had indigenous plants and herbs with strong natural characteristics. The nutritional value of Lappish plants is strengthened by the cold winters and long summer nights in this Arctic territory.

The friends were able to access start-up funding from their Local Action Group ‘Peräpohjolan Leader ry’ to develop their company and brand new nutritional supplements. The aim was to turn indigenous herbs and plants from Lapland into superfood products to meet the growing market for natural, energy-giving foods.

Three products were branded according to three types of Arctic Warrior: defender, fighter and energy.

Results

The company has developed a network of local farmers from whom they not only buy raw ingredients, but exchange information and good practices in the farming of herbs. This has already incentivised other local farmers to start growing traditional herbs alongside their main farming activities.

In a relatively short time Arctic Warriors have expanded swiftly across Finland and into the Norwegian and Swedish markets. The company is also negotiating with potential resellers in South Korea, China and Canada.