Summary

Food processing companies are increasingly looking to develop their local supply chains to respond to consumer demand. Skills and knowledge are vital. A network of five Finnish counties, comprising a third of all the country’s food producers,  was looking to expand its expertise and increase sales.

Finland’s Turku University designed a range of activities to improve the skills and know-how of food processing companies in five counties including information days, knowledge building  tours at home and abroad  and pilot projects.  The cooperation between five counties enabled greater innovation and creative thinking.    

Results

Enabled five Finnish counties with the highest numbers of food processors to cooperate and innovate together.

Improved knowledge and skills in food processing to target local consumers.

New investment projects were developed by participating food companies.

10% of food producers and farms selling straight to consumers within the target area (140 companies in total) taking an active part in the project’s  activities.