Finnish retail group Kesko is bringing together local food producers and retailers for and initiative it is calling Lähiruokatreffit, or 'Local Food Dating'.
The aim of the event, which is described as 'speed dating for food', is to enable business networking, and improve the range of local products on offer in stores.
Kesko says that these connections benefit consumers, producers, and retailers.
Success story
"During its four years in operation, the Local Food Dating concept has been a real success story that has established itself as a networking event held every summer between local food producers and K-food retailers," said Timo Jäske, sustainability manager of Kesko's grocery trade.
Jäske added that about 90% of those who responded to the event's feedback questionnaire said that they had found new partners through the event.
"Customers all over Finland want to buy more and more Finnish and locally produced food. This trend also encourages the smaller food producers that their products will make it onto store shelves."
The event will be held in six locations across Finland this summer.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
