European Cluster Collaboration
Accelerating the Food Sector in South Savo
The aim of the project is to systematically develop the South Savo food cluster by creating a new member-driven strategy and an internationalisation plan. The goal is to increase the visibility and recognition of the South Savo food sector. In addition, the project will stimulate cooperation and internationalisation among cluster members as part of the European cluster network.
South Savo Food Cluster – Growth Through Internationalisation
Vitality for the South Savo Food Sector
The project measures strengthen the capacity of regional food sector companies to develop, network, and internationalise, thereby increasing regional economic and social sustainability.
The long-term goal of the project is to strengthen the competitiveness and profitability of the South Savo food sector, implementing the regional strategy and program priorities.
Project Objectives
1. Strengthening the strategic and systematic approach of the South Savo food cluster:
The cluster strategy is developed in close cooperation with participants, integrating trends in science, technology, and socio-economic development. Implementing the strategy brings systematicity and engages members in the activities.
2. Networking, connecting, and growing the food cluster:
Increasing the number of cluster members and involving new groups of actors are key objectives. Networking and promoting cooperation among cluster participants are important.
The South Savo Food Sector Grows Stronger!
3. Strengthening European cluster cooperation for the benefit of South Savo:
An internationalization plan is developed as part of the cluster strategy. Support from cluster organizations for internationalization and tailored support measures are needed to enable small actors to successfully implement internationalization processes.
The South Savo Food Cluster
The South Savo Food Cluster was established in 2022, and its activities were developed through two projects during 2023–2024.
The foundation of the food cluster lies in over 20 years of cooperation in food sector development and education in South Savo, carried out in collaboration with Ekoneum Association.
A core function of the food cluster is the dissemination of up-to-date information. As a dedicated service for the cluster, the Cluster Pilot (Klusteriluotsi) guidance service has been developed to identify and respond to the needs of its members.
The South Savo Food Sector
The food sector plays a significant role in South Savo. It provides employment and generates business across the region. Alongside forests and water, food is a key priority area for regional development in South Savo.
Open-field vegetable production is one of South Savo’s core strengths. Carrots and cabbages produced in the region are sold nationwide through major retail chains. In addition to vegetables, the region produces, among other products, berries. The region’s fragmented fields are also well suited for beef production.
South Savo is a pioneer in the development of organic production and is home to a substantial amount of significant organic farming. More than 40 years of development work gained recognition when South Savo was selected as the EU’s Best Organic Region in 2024.
Rich in Flavour – Europe’s Best Organic Produce from South Savo
Key Project Measures
The project measures are divided into three work packages: Supporting Business Growth and Networking, Food Cluster Strategy Development, and Building Networks and Visibility in Europe. Throughout the project—and particularly as part of the strategy work—information will be collected and assessed on how the food cluster (cluster coordination) can best serve and create added value for its members.
All three work packages include the active involvement of cluster members in the activities, such as interviews, surveys, workshops, and study visits.
Facts
Forward in European Cluster Cooperation – Systematization of South Savo Food Cluster Operations
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