Food for Thought – Sustainable Food Systems​ seminar

Think Like A Finn days are organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. The seminar Food for Thought focuses on future food innovations and technologies from Finland – solutions that respond to the sustainability requirements of tomorrow’s food systems.

Location: Nordic Pavilion, Osaka World Expo 

Morning session: Sustainable food systems in Finland and Japan – Triple challenge of food systems 

10.00-12.00  

Finland is a forerunner in sustainable food innovations, combining scientific excellence with a deep respect for nature. In this seminar, we explore how Finland and Japan approach the global food systems’ triple challenge – sustainability, nutrition, and resilience – and what we can learn from each other. What similarities, unique approaches, and possibilities there are for future collaboration? 

Programme overview 

• Opening by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, Ms. Sari ESSAYAH: Sustainability targets on the strategy level at the Ministry of Agriculture​ 

• Remarks from the Japanese representative 

• Keynote: FOOD2.0 by Valio  

• Panel discussion 

Topics: How is sustainability realized in the Finnish and Japanese food systems? How is food security ensured? How to motivate young farmers to continue with farming? How about animal welfare, policy choices, stakeholder engagement, regulation and new innovations? 

12:00 Lunch at the Nordic Pavilion 

Afternoon session: Future food innovations for sustainable food system 

14:00-16.00 

Finland is a leader in food innovations, driven by a strong focus on sustainability, advanced research and development and a collaborative innovation ecosystem. Institutions, such as VTT, play a key role through cutting-edge research creating innovative start-up companies. The seminar will focus on top level Finnish food technologies and unique innovations for future food system challenges.  

Programme overview 

• Opening by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, Ms. Sari Essayah: Sustainability targets on the strategy level at the Ministry of Agriculture​​ 

• Keynote by VTT 

• VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner and one of the leading research organisations in Europe. 

• Remarks from the Japanese representative 

• Presenting latest Finnish foodtech solutions supporting sustainability 

Companies: 

Valio: Combining over a century of dairy expertise with cutting-edge innovation, Valio develops sustainable food solutions rooted in Finnish family farms. 

Onego Bio: Produces animal-free egg protein using a safe, decades-old precision fermentation process. This method yields a sustainable ingredient that is functional, nutritious, and delicious. 

Hailia: Whether it’s salmonoid sidestreams, small pelagics, or other raw materials, Hailia’s technology transforms them into tasty, easy-to-use mainstream food products with exceptional taste, texture, and mouthfeel. 

Happy Plant Protein: Uses proprietary extrusion technology to produce high-quality, customizable plant proteins that are rich in protein and fiber. Its cost-effective, eco-friendly process enables food manufacturers to seamlessly integrate superior plant proteins into existing production lines. 

Enifer: Transforming side streams and by-products into mycoprotein powder, highly nutritious and versatile drop-in ingredients to replace or complement conventional proteins in both food and animal nutrition. 

Solar Foods: Harnesses a natural bioprocess powered by air, electricity, and fermentation to grow a single microorganism that is highly versatile, nutritionally rich protein. With a neutral taste and broad functionality, it serves as a sustainable ingredient suitable for any food product, regardless of diet. 

16:00 Expo Tour at the Osaka World Expo 

Think Like a Finn – Cocktail Reception 
18:00–20:00 

As the sun sets over the Expo grounds, join us for an evening reception celebrating innovations, collaboration, and shared values. Enjoy Nordic hospitality and networking opportunities with fellow changemakers, thought leaders, and innovators from sustainable bioeconomy sectors. 

During the reception, you will also have the opportunity to explore the New Wood exhibition (Uusi Puu) — a showcase of sustainable bio-based products and future materials that highlight Finland’s pioneering role in forest-based innovations.

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