Food Development

Wholesome, health-promoting and safe food

The vision of the Food Development cluster is that in 2013 Finland will be the leading producer of wholesome, health-promoting and safe food in Europe. The cluster’s operations are based on the specialisation of, and seamless cooperation between, centres of expertise. Thanks to its network, the cluster can improve the competitiveness of Finland’s food industry, both nationally and internationally.

The cluster programme’s key emphasis is on developing healthy and safe foods. Development efforts are built on solid research competence contributed by universities and research institutions. The focus is on observing the consumer perspective when developing new products, raw materials, packages and processes. Ultimately, it is consumers who benefit, through the enjoyment of new culinary experiences. The Food Development cluster programme is working to foster the Finnish food industry on the consumers’ terms.

The cluster’s centres of expertise are Agropolis Oy (Jokioinen, affiliate member), Foodwest Ltd, (Seinäjoki Region Centre of Expertise), Functional Foods Forum (Southwest Finland Centre of Expertise), Kuopio Innovation Ltd (Kuopio Region Centre of Expertise) and Viikki Food Centre (Helsinki Region Centre of Expertise).

Strategic focus areas

Developing and commercialising foods that uphold and promote health
The objectives are the use of domestic raw materials, the development of processes, packages and technologies, and the prevention of lifestyle diseases by means of food development.

Promoting the well-being of consumers using food industry services
The purpose is to recognise the expectations of the consumer, to utilise knowledge of the food markets and to develop restaurant and food services.

Improving risk management and safety throughout the food production chain
Particular objectives involve developing the safety systems of the Finnish food production chain, taking our competence in the management of food safety abroad, and developing pathogen risk management within the food production chain.

Contact details

Jukka Lähteenkorva
Programme Director
Tel.+358 (0)40 543 6781
jukka.lahteenkorva(at)foodwest.fi
www.elintarvikekehitys.fi

Foodwest Oy
Vaasantie 1 C
60100 SEINÄJOKI
Finland
Tel. +358 (0)6 421 0000
www.foodwest.fi