Finland is a global forerunner in functional foods

Today’s functional foods offer a range of properties to support health and well-being. Finland is a world leader in the field, combining scientific expertise in the business and academic sectors with support from public organisations.

In addition to their nutritional values, genuine functional food products must have a scientifically proven effect that benefits health or even prevents illness. Finnish innovations offer consumers foods that for instance help lower elevated blood pressure, reduce and balance cholesterol levels, and support weight management.

Functional ingredients such as xylitol that inhibits dental caries, and functional foods containing the probiotic LGG to enhance the immune system have helped spread Finland’s reputation for innovative expertise around the world.

Quality ingredients make for a healthy diet

The Finnish national diet has traditionally included a significant amount of milk, and for instance whole-grain rye which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked to a reduced risk of cancer of the large intestine. Healthy foods start with the best ingredients and for example Finnish milk is the cleanest in the EU, which thanks to a world-beating local technology can even be produced in an entirely lactose free form.

It has been said that only a country whose entire economy is based on science can reach and maintain first place in the economic battle between nations, and Finnish scientists have obviously taken the idea to heart. Russian Nobel Prize winner Élie Metchnikoff first discovered the value of lactic acid bacteria in promoting the immune response, Finnish Nobel laureate A. I. Virtanen developed AIV silage here to produce top quality milk, and today’s Finnish researchers contribute to new technologies that are commercialised to generate value added exports.

A positive attitude to collaboration

Finland has a far-sighted commitment to a thriving academic and commercial research environment in the food industry. Organisations such as MTT Agrifood Research Finland operating under the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the National Technology Agency of Finland (TEKES) and the Finnish Innovation Fund (Sitra) work together with business and centres of excellence at Finnish universities. Bodies such as Finfood then promote the results.

Additional information:

Read more about Finnish functional foods

Valio / 3F Trade Directory

Finfood - Finnish Food Information, Ms. Carita Vastinesluoma, Marketing coordinator, tel:  +358 9 6155 4531, carita.vastinesluoma@finfood.fi

Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation, Mr. Seppo Heiskanen, Director, tel: + 358 9 1488 7230