From Forests to Fermentation: Finland Creates Sustainable Future with Food

In September, Finland, renowned for its clean nature, fresh air, sustainability, and world-class innovations, will be showcasing its food culture and food innovations in Japan. Collaboration with Japan is being sought at both the Nordic level and bilateral levels, as Finnish companies bring their innovations to the table.

Finland’s clean air, water and soil set the global benchmark for producing safe, healthy, and delicious food. Ranked 1st in the latest Global Food Security Index (2022), Finland combines innovation with sustainability to address global challenges. Backed by cutting-edge food technology and research and development, Finnish companies are at the forefront of developing future food solutions, including vertical farming, precision fermentation, and plant-based proteins.

Finland’s Role in Shaping the Future of Sustainable Food – Several Touchpoints in September

Finland’s national philosophy of sustainability will take center stage in Osaka, highlighting its role in creating resilient, nutritious and sustainable global food systems. Permanent Secretary Pekka Pesonen from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry visited Tokyo and Osaka in Japan with a food industry delegation aiming to establish significant collaboration with Japan. Nordic Food Day at the Osaka Expo last week, focused on clean food for body and planet featuring Finnish companies such as Fazer, Valio and Apetit, all of which already supply food products to Japan.

Permanent Secretary Pekka Pesonen from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shares Finlands views on future of food

Later the same month, the focus shifts towards the future of the sustainable bioeconomy from the perspectives of food and forestry. The “Think like a Finn – Food for Thoughts” event at the Nordic Pavilion at the Expo will explore solutions to the triple challenge facing global food systems: sustainability, nutrition, and resilience. The aim is to emphasize the shared values of Finland and Japan: innovation, sustainability, and respect for nature.

The seminar fosters dialogue and collaboration to highlight effective partnerships in addressing global food and environmental challenges. Sari Essayah, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, will lead the two-day events. Minister Essayah states:

- Finland is a leader in food innovations, driven by a strong focus on sustainability, advanced research and development and a collaborative innovation ecosystem. In Finland institutions, such as research organizations and universities, play a key role creating innovative start-up companies. Finland and Japan can work together to find food technologies and unique innovations to address future challenges in the food system.

This food-focused event will explore the Finnish and Japanese approaches to sustainable food systems, food security and encouraging young farmers. Companies providing sustainable technologies will showcase Finnish food innovations. Several Finnish companies base their innovations on proteins: Onego Bio has created an animal-free egg protein through fermentation; Happy Plant Protein produces plant-based protein; Enifer makes mycoprotein from an industrial by-product; and Solar Foods creates a nutritionally rich protein from air and electricity. These companies and more to find out what the future of food looks like based on future innovations.

Finland as a food travel destination

Food is also an essential part of the travelers’ itinerary. Finnish cuisine is a delightful surprise for those who are seeking authentic food experiences. Supported by the Northern location, it’s deeply rooted in the land, shaped by distinct seasons, and guided by a philosophy of freshness and purpose. Finnish ingredients are local, seasonal, and prepared with care. It reflects a deep respect for what nature provides, emphasizing sustainability, preservation, and making the most of fresh, high-quality resources.

There are several Finnish food brands and food items that are available in special stores in Japan.

For many Japanese people, the Osaka World Expo is like a trip abroad, as 160 different countries are represented with pavilions at the Expo. The Nordic Food Bar café-restaurant operating at the Nordic Pavilion offers visitors a taste of the Nordic countries, including Finnish specialties.