Food & Nutrition
The Turku region food ecosystem is part of Southwest Finland’s strong and diverse food system, covering the full value chain from primary production and processing to research, services, and exports.
With over 16,000 people employed and more than 230 processing companies, the region offers both scale and agility for developing high‑quality, sustainable, and nutrition‑driven food solutions.
Strong expertise at Turku’s universities and a mix of established brands and agile growth companies support the commercialization and internationalization of new food innovations.
Our Focus Areas
Sustainable Food Solutions
The region supports the development of new, climate-smart and resource-efficient food products, from novel ingredients to responsible production methods. Companies benefit from favourable cultivation conditions, strong research capabilities and regional test environments for validating new solutions.
Developing new sustainable food innovations? Contact us to access research partners and pilot environments.
Consumer-Ready Products with International Potential
Turku’s food sector ranges from large established brands to smaller growth companies developing high-quality consumer goods. The region enables fast product development, close collaboration with researchers, and market readiness for export-oriented companies.
Looking to scale your consumer product internationally? We’ll help you reach the right networks and growth pathways.
Nutrition-driven food innovation
Strong competence at both universities and specialized companies supports the creation of foods that advance well-being, including functional foods, nutrient-rich ingredients and innovations linked to preventive health.
Working on health boosting food products? Contact us to connect with top tier research and development expertise.
Food & nutrition in numbers
16 K
Regional food value chain employment
230+
Food processing businesses in Southwest Finland
15%
Regional turnover generated by the food chain
Strong RDI base
Leading food science expertise in University of Turku & Turku University of Applied Sciences
From large to micro innovators
Raisio, HKFoods, Lunden + agile growth SMEs
Robust value chain diversity
From primary production to advanced research and world-class restaurants
Our Services
Innovation & RDI Collaboration
Business Turku facilitates cooperation between companies, universities and development organisations, supporting RDI projects, product development and access to testing environments.
Growth & Internationalisation Support
We help companies identify new markets, build partnerships and prepare for global expansion through targeted advisory and connections within the region’s food industry network.
Ecosystem Networking & Partnerships
We bring together major manufacturers, SMEs, research actors and public organisations, creating a collaborative environment where new ideas can be developed and scaled.
Piloting & Development Environments
The region has a strong and diverse product development and research infrastructure, and companies can collaborate with, among others, the Aistikattila sensory research facility and the University of Turku’s unique multidisciplinary Flavoria research platform.
Our Networks
Food Sector Network
Business Turku Food Sector Network is a cooperation platform combining the expertise of food companies, universities and development actors to advance a developing food cluster through interaction and timely discussions.
The Southwest Finland Food Developers’ Forum
The Southwest Finland Food Developers’ Forum is a regional collaboration platform that brings together research, education, development organizations, and public actors across Southwest Finland.
The forum strengthens the regional food value chain by promoting direct contacts and cross-sector cooperation. It supports joint learning, project development, and the long-term competitiveness and export readiness of the regional food sector.
Latest from the Turku region
Business Turku is here to support your growth in the food and nutrition sector, free of charge!
With a dedicated contact person guiding you from first discussion to long‑term development, you’ll always have a knowledgeable partner by your side. Get in touch and let’s explore how Business Turku and Turku region can support your next steps.
