Finland’s food capital

Seinäjoki is Finland’s undisputed leader in food industry turnover and one of the country’s most important centres for food production, food technology, and agribusiness.

Please Contact: Elina Koivisto@intoseinajoki.fi, GSM +358 40 736 2043

Finland’s leading city for food industry turnover

Seinäjoki is Finland’s undisputed leader in food industry turnover and one of the country’s most important centres for food production, food technology, and agribusiness.

Where the entire food value chain comes together

In Seinäjoki, the entire food ecosystem is represented.

From agriculture and primary production to research, innovation, manufacturing, logistics, exports, and consumer markets, the city’s food cluster brings together expertise from every stage of the value chain.

Companies, educational institutions, research organisations, and development agencies work closely together to create one of Finland’s most significant food industry clusters.

This collaborative ecosystem supports innovation, investment, sustainability, and international growth opportunities across the sector.

Number one among Finnish cities

Food industry turnover in 2024. Top Finnish cities by food industry turnover:
  • Seinäjoki € 1.78 billion
  • Vantaa € 1,15 billion
  • Lahti € 730 million
  • Helsinki € 690 million
  • Kerava € 510 million
  • Turku € 400 million
  • Pietarsaari € 380 million
  • Kirkkonummi € 270 million
  • Rauma € 230 million
  • Jyväskylä € 230 million

Seinäjoki’s food industry turnover exceeds that of many significantly larger cities, highlighting the city’s exceptional concentration of food industry expertise and production.

Facts and figures from one of Finland’s leading food regions

South Ostrobothnia is one of the most significant food-producing regions in Finland. The food sector plays a major role in the regional economy, employment, exports, and innovation ecosystem.

Key figures

  • Approximately 40% of all businesses in the region operate within the food value chain, representing around 2,000 food-related companies
  • Approximately 20% of regional jobs are linked to the food sector, accounting for around 6,400 jobs
  • Food industry turnover totals approximately €2.1 billion, representing 16.2% of Finland’s entire food industry turnover
  • Annual investments in agriculture and the food industry amount to approximately €235 million
  • The food sector accounts for 21% of the region’s GDP, compared to the Finnish average of approximately 9%
  • Around 70% of food production is sold outside the region, either elsewhere in Finland or in export markets

A diverse food industry ecosystem

The food ecosystem in Seinäjoki brings together companies, research organisations, educational institutions, and development agencies across the entire value chain.

The region is home to leading food industry companies such as Atria, Valio, Juustoportti, and Anora. Alongside food manufacturers and processors, the cluster also includes machinery manufacturers, technology providers, logistics specialists, packaging companies, and business service providers.

Together, these organisations form one of the strongest food industry ecosystems in the Nordic countries.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Seinäjoki called Finland’s food capital?

Seinäjoki is located in South Ostrobothnia, Finland’s leading food-producing region. A significant share of the food consumed daily in Finland originates from this area.

The region offers a complete food ecosystem covering primary production, processing, research, innovation, education, and international business.

What makes the food ecosystem in Seinäjoki and South Ostrobothnia unique?

South Ostrobothnia has developed a unique concentration of expertise that combines:

  • Food-related education at all levels
  • Food research, innovation, and product development
  • Strong entrepreneurship and business networks
  • Expertise across the entire farm-to-fork value chain

This ecosystem is known as the Food Province of Finland, with the Frami Campus in Seinäjoki serving as one of its key innovation hubs.

What kind of food research and innovation takes place in Seinäjoki?

The region hosts the EPANET professor network, which focuses on areas including agri-bioeconomy and sustainable food systems.

In addition, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) offers modern food laboratories and development environments where companies, researchers, and students collaborate on new products, technologies, and production methods.

How is Seinäjoki strengthening its position as Finland’s food capital?

The City of Seinäjoki is developing a dedicated food strategy aimed at supporting sustainable growth, innovation, international collaboration, and business development within the food sector.

The strategy is supported by research and development initiatives involving partners such as the University of Turku and Tampere University.

Has Seinäjoki gained international recognition for its food expertise?

Yes.

Seinäjoki has been invited to join the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), a global network of more than 250 cities committed to developing sustainable food systems.

Participation in this network strengthens Seinäjoki’s international profile and creates opportunities for new partnerships, research initiatives, and international projects.

Why is the food sector such an important part of Seinäjoki’s identity?

Food is deeply embedded in the region’s economy, culture, and future development.

The sector combines a strong agricultural heritage with modern innovation, research, education, and international business. It provides employment for thousands of people and continues to create new opportunities for growth and sustainable development.

In Seinäjoki, food is more than an industry. It is a strategic strength, a source of innovation, and a key driver of future growth.

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