New initiative will strengthen Norrbotten's food companies
Food companies in Norrbotten will be given more tools to grow sustainably and increase their competitiveness. The Food Arena is now being launched, a three-year initiative that will contribute to innovation, skills development and, in the long term, more jobs.
There is great potential for increased food processing in Norrbotten. The project Livsmedelsarenan will help companies in food processing to take the next step, with the goal of creating a sustainable and growing food industry. The project is run by LTU Business in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, the Swedish Agricultural Society and the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten.
– The Food Arena brings together the expertise and resources required to help food companies grow. Many companies have limited time and capacity and can have difficulty deciding what the next step should be. That is why we offer personal advisors who meet the companies where they are, says Linnea Johansson, project manager, LTU Business.
Research and experience in collaboration
The food arena will function as a hub where companies receive support to develop their businesses, find new markets and strengthen their sustainability. Through advice, networks and knowledge, companies will gain help to develop their business, whether it concerns business strategy, finance, leadership, production or financing.
– The Household Association has extensive experience in supporting food companies in northern Sweden. Through the Food Arena, we can reach even more companies and contribute to more products with origins in Norrbotten reaches the market, says Pelle Johansson, advisor, Hushållningssällskapet.
Contributes to regional food strategy
The Food Arena, together with the collaborative project Livsmedelslyftet, will contribute to the regional food strategy Nära mat, which aims to ensure that more Norrbotten raw materials reach the plate.
– In Nära Mats' action plan 2026–2030, which is being launched this spring, we point out the need for skills-enhancing initiatives and stronger individual support for food companies. The food arena will be an important part of the implementation and give companies the tools to grow sustainably and contribute to a viable food industry in Norrbotten, says Malin Naess, coordinator, Norrbotten's food strategy Nära Mat.
"An investment in our security"
The project is funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) together with Region Norrbotten, Sparbanken Nord and Längmanska Företagarfonden.
– Together we can create better conditions for innovation, growth and profitability throughout the food chain. It is not only an investment in business, rural development and the labor market – it is also an investment in our security and resilience, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, Norrbotten Region.
Read more here: www.livsmedelsarenan.se