Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
New 'True Flavours' Website Benefits Local Food Companies Nationwide
Summary
A national project funded by the RDP is increasing the visibility and competitiveness of Finnish small and medium-sized food companies through the creation of a comprehensive website which targets different customers groups all over the country.
Background
Local food businesses do not have big advertising budgets and, consequently, they are not very well known by customers in Finland. A network, composed of local authorities and local enterprises, has come together to improve the visibility and competitiveness of the sector. The ‘True Flavours’ website - www.aitojamakuja.fi – is being set up to disseminate information more effectively. The website provides information about the local food sector and contact details of food enterprises.
Objective
The main aim of the project is to develop the True Flavours website into a broad source of information about local food businesses in Finland. The wider objectives are to improve the competitiveness of the local food sector and to enhance networking between developers of the food sector and local and regional authorities.
Main activities
The project is structured in three stages: i) a structural renewal of the website to increase functionality; ii) the creation of an information map about the sector in support of business activities; and iii) the use of communications activity to raise awareness. A cooperation network convenes a few times a year to define common policies for the development of the website.
Results & Benefits
As a result of the project, the website has already become a diverse source of food entrepreneurship information, serving many user groups. The website includes a comprehensive list of enterprises from all over Finland and the number of visitors is constantly increasing. The website is also having positive effects for the development of other sectors, such as tourism.
Lessons learnt
National and local development strategies should be designed in close cooperation by local and national authorities, in order to agree on common goals and actions which form a solid basis for progress at both national and local level. Regular meetings between public authorities and food companies proved to be very useful in creating a strong and active network, which provided local players with new cooperation opportunities.
Project location and other information
The project is implemented by the University of Turku but enterprises in the entire country benefit from it.
Region
Varsinais-Suomi
RDP Territory
Mainland
Total project cost (€)
380 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
171 000
National contribution (€)
209 000
Project website
Contact name
Päivi Töyli
Telephone
+358 40 189 1929
Languages for contact
English, Finnish, Swedish
Document attachment
At a glance
Country
Finland
Final beneficiary type
Producer groups
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/02/2012
End Date:
31/12/2014
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
321. Basic services for the economy and rural population
Keywords:
Public awareness, Cooperation, Sustainable development, Local food, Website
Last update
14/03/2014