Finland can take its food exports to a new level

Finland’s food sector will only grow by looking beyond established practices, the writers argue. The country needs skilled and courageous people who can identify opportunities outside the familiar.

The National Food Strategy 2040 envisions Finland as a leading developer of sustainable food systems. It sets a goal of tripling food exports from their current level of about 2.4 billion euros by 2040.

That growth should come from increasing the value of products, not simply exporting larger volumes. Finland should sell high-value food products and new food technologies. The writers note that Ireland, a country comparable to Finland in this context, already has several times the level of food exports.

New expertise will be needed to support the push. The University of Helsinki has launched a master’s program in international food business and gastronomy, combining gastronomic skills with business studies. The program aims to train specialists who understand international business, gastronomic innovation and internationalization. The university also seeks to establish a professorship in gastronomy and will host an international gastronomy congress in Helsinki in August 2027.

Companies are already developing new approaches. Valio has created new protein products, while Mö Foods makes plant-based cheeses that are also sold in Germany. The writers say food companies should recognize the value that new kinds of expertise can bring. Reaching the export strategy’s goal will require a sustained commitment from companies, educators and other industry participants.