Analytics, EU – Baltic States, Foodstuff, Forum, Modern EU

Picture I: vegan food

Politicians, economists, food producers as well as customers feel the need for changes and their input to sustainability. Global and European competition for clients and consumers is increasing: Baltic Sea state’s food industry sticks to quality goods and ingredients. Besides, mitigation efforts in climate change make the food sector increasingly vulnerable to measures to reduce negative production impact on climate issues, e.g. in decreasing CO2 emissions. Global community headed by the UN has made a strong message in resolving these challenges by suggesting sustainable development goals (SDGs), which have become an integral part of all EU states’ decision-makers since the end of 2015.

For example, SDG-12 suggests that those involved in food industry have to: a) reduce by halve per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses; b) substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. These are quite fundamental changes that are facing modern food production and processing in the Baltic Sea region. 

Bite in Copenhagen

The doors at Bella Center, the biggest in Denmark and Northern Europe’s exhibition center, were open for two days at the end of August 2019 for the yearly events dedicated to the most ambitious and innovative entrepreneurs from the food industry. It is a unique platform to showcase and manifest the latest trends within food production, technology and innovation.

Under the motto “Food fair for the future” (popularly called Bite-Copenhagen), the food-show has gathered participants not only from Denmark but from several EU states.

The Bite-Copenhagen’s “highlights” included: brand new area ‘New Gastro’, new-gastronomy stands; Bocuse d’Or National Championship and that of Chef’s Talent-2019, open sandwich competition, as well as master classes with leading experts, including food tastings, networking and knowledge sharing, to name a few.

The food-show takes place each year at the end of August and is famous for its carefully planned program supported by food competitions, presentations and networking opportunities for visitors; and of course lots of great tastings!  

More in: https://bitecopenhagen.dk/home ; additionally on the exhibition manager, Christian Vejlund website in: https://bitecopenhagen.dk/press

Examples for the Baltic’s consumers

Among various interesting stands and food products, there were some that could be valuable for the food industry in the Baltics; here are three examples.

First of all, it’s the trend towards vegan “way of live”, i.e. through organic food products initiated by a Danish company called naturli’, which is famous for its vegan and organic plant-based products since 1988. Already 600 shops in Denmark presently sell vegan food!   

More in the https://www.naturli-foods.com/products/  

Company’s regional manager, Jens Dixen (Picture I: vegan food) served some ready-made dishes (which tasted so good!) and underlined that vegan food has gained momentum in Denmark. To my mind, that could be a good example to emulate in the Baltics; at least the Baltic food producers have to give it a try.

Picture II – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Secondly, my attention attracted superior quality olive oil from Kolymvari region of western Crete and produced from 100% “Koroneiki” variety olives. Exceptionally pleasant and fresh taste of extra virgin olive oil with the PDO category, has made me think that customers in the Baltics would love it too (picture 2).

“Terra Creta” oil products, as well as other olive-based goods can be traced on the compny’s website in: http://www.terracreta.gr/pages.aspx?lang=en&id=79 

Picture III- Sustainable packaging

Third, I was thinking of the Baltic States packaging industry, which can have a new line of interesting growth pattern instigated by the sustainability requirements (picture III). As is well known, the industry is under great press from environmentalists who wanted all packaging to be degradable, without any damage to the nature as additional waste. These tasks have been successfully resolved by KLSPurePrint company, which is specialized, among other things, in “eco-printing” facilities.  

Use completely biodegradable packaging with KLS PurePrint. We produce high quality sustainable packaging completely free of harmful substances, chemicals and heavy metals. You get environmentally friendly packaging that is part of nature's own cycle - as the only provider in the world.   

https://klspureprint.com/services/productes/

Besides, at Bite Copenhagen one can experience the latest solutions to future food challenges, which can be emulated by the Baltic States’ entrepreneurs, such as seaweed and snails production. Both are a kind of novelty around the Baltic Sea but still quite perspective: at the Bite Copenhagen the exhibitors have been a success! Although presently these kinds of food stuffs are of modest consumption and having perhaps rather bleak reputation, they can be of great effect as a sustainable food challenge.

Potentials for the Baltic aqua-farmers are constantly increasing: potentials for seaweed have been known for a long time, but the possibilities have in recent years also been revealed to chefs and food producers in the Nordic countries. Today, more and more manufacturers are working with the tasteful, sustainable and nutritious seaweed.

See more in the Faroe Seaweed company at: https://www.facebook.com/tarifaroeseaweed/

The company cultivates and processes seaweed, which is primarily sold as ready-to-eat products and as ingredients for the food industry. The seaweed advantages are great: they grow without feed and fertilizers as seaweeds produce their own energy by photosynthesis. Besides, CO2 is absorbed from the environment and oxygen is produced instead; nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate are also absorbed by the environment when the seaweed grows. The Baltic sea with a stable sea temperatures, good nutrient supply and purity is an ideal place for seaweed cultivation.

Bite 19 in Denmark is over: the fair has offered a multitude of inspiring exhibitors, non-stop talks, master classes and participant competitors. It has been a fantastic fair with acquired new knowledge, inspiration and ideas about new modes in food production, consumption, waste management and people’s menus in future.