A unique investment in Norrbotten’s food culture

Norrbotten food has many unique values that modern consumers demand, not least in areas such as sustainability, quality and craftsmanship. To create better conditions for both producers and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry to tell their customers about these values, a unique initiative is now being implemented.

“We make fantastic food in Norrbotten, every day, all year round – we don’t talk about it enough. Our hope is that this initiative will build the foundation for our common pride and make more people feel confident to tell more about how good we actually are”, says Pelle Johansson, food consultant at Hushållningssällskapet.

He is part of the group that has been granted funding for the Polarterroir I collaboration project. The regional food strategy Nära Mat, Hushållningssällskapet, Swedish Lapland Visitors Board and Piteå municipality will work together to produce a terroir atlas for Norrbotten. It is a knowledge base on how, where and why Norrbotten food is produced and influenced by the region’s specific culinary heritage, climatic conditions, traditions and a number of other factors.

The Terroir Atlas will also help entrepreneurs from different parts of the food industry to find new opportunities for collaboration, product development and innovation – while also targeting rural businesses in Norrbotten to audiences with the food experience as a travel incentive.

“Together we create an increased curiosity for our unique food scene and our culture, which we know that many travelers are demanding today,” continues Annika Fredriksson at Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.

Increased interaction between the tourism industry and local food producers in both primary production and processing also contributes to a more sustainable development of the countryside and creates new opportunities for the industries to develop their activities.

“The project is an important step in strengthening the region’s food production and food culture, which in the long run can contribute to increased food security”, says Malin Naess at Nära Mat.

Jessica Lindberg from Piteå municipality agrees and adds:

“I look forward to working together for both Piteå’s and Norrbotten’s food industry and tourism.”

Facts Polar terroir I

The project is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with SEK 1 155 819. The end date is March 30, 2026. Polarterroir I is implemented in collaboration between the following partners:

• Piteå municipality
• Hushållningssällskapet Norrbotten-Västerbotten
• County Administrative Board of Norrbotten via the regional food strategy Nära Mat
• Swedish Lapland Visitors Board

For more information, contact:

Pelle Johansson
Food consultant, Hushållningssällskapet
070-244 51 98
pelle.johansson@hushallningssallskapet.se

Jessica Lindberg
Business developer, Piteå municipality
073-840 47 52
jessica.lindberg@pitea.se