dairy company Vario announced the launch of Food 2.0, a major research, development and innovation project in Finland.
Through “Food 2.0”, Valio aims to create a nature-friendly food system in Finland, where growth, profitability and added value are built on sustainable production.
The five-year program is scheduled to begin this year. This comes after he received a €10 million grant from Business Finland, the Finnish government’s organization for innovation funding and the promotion of trade, travel and investment.
This €10 million was awarded through Business Finland’s Challenge competition for leading companies. Valio is the first food company selected by Business Finland as a leading company. In addition, Business Finland will provide an additional EUR 20 million in funding for the “Food 2.0” ecosystem project roadmap.
Through this project, Valio will begin collaborations and research and development projects with current and new partners. Valio will invest €100 million in research and development activities over the next five years and expects to increase food system-related exports by more than €1 billion in the years following the project’s completion.
Tuomas Salusjärvi, Vice President of Growth Operations and Research and Development at Valio, said: The global transformation of food production is also an opportunity for Finnish production, as global food demand and the importance of northern production areas are increasing. ”
He continued: “By being a pioneer in sustainable food production, we can increase Finland’s profitability and international competitiveness while creating added value for the food we produce in Finland.”
Business Finland’s Executive Director Nina Kopolla added: “Business Finland wants to be strongly involved in efforts aimed at reforming the food system.” All our services contribute to strengthening the goals set in this project. ”
Sarusjärvi concluded: “A new, more sustainable food system will build food export growth and also create new export opportunities, such as circular economy and digital solutions. It’s very essential.”
Hundreds of companies and other operators are connected to the food system in Finland, and the goal is to have at least 100 partners in the network.
The announcement of “Food 2.0” will be made in a few weeks. Valio announces that it will begin negotiations for changes It will affect the functions, technical services, maintenance and factory services of the Finnish headquarters, potentially affecting 1,170 employees.