The purpose of growth networks is for entrepreneurs in different sectors to network with local entrepreneurs in the same sector, to learn about current issues affecting each sector. At the same time, the network discusses and develops topics identified as important.
The Food Growth Network met at Wurst's premises. In the background, Sissi Kaskela, Development Manager at Foodwest, gave a presentation on product development. Photo by Ari Minadis.
The Food Growth Network, organised by Business Järvenpää, met in mid-November 2023 at Wurst's premises in the Vähänummi business park on Puurtajankatu. Business Järvenpää runs a total of four growth networks, including trade and services, industry, real estate and construction, in addition to the food sector. The networks meet four times a year. Business Järvenpää's partners, such as the business developer Keuke, the vocational training organisation Keuda and the Uusimaa TE-services, also participate in the growth networks.
- The Food Growth Network provides access to up-to-date information on issues and changes affecting the food sector. The meetings provide an opportunity to network and spar with other food entrepreneurs," says Susanna Aramo, Business Järvenpää's Business Services Manager, who is in charge of the Food Growth Network.
- Together, our network has set out its main objectives and development priorities for the coming years, including promoting growth and internationalisation, and addressing and promoting solutions to the shortage of skilled staff and talent. Previous meetings have focused on issues such as quality standards in the food sector and labour availability and skills. The topics to be discussed will be agreed together on the basis of the needs that arise in the group," Aramo added.
The November Food Growth Network was opened by Jyrki Saarela, CEO of the family-owned Wurst company, who presented the history of Wurst, a producer of processed meat products, and its various stages up to the present day.
Vaatepuu entrepreneur Soile-Maria Linnemäki brought the network news about the Christmas market of local businesses to be held in Järvenpää's Prisma Centre from 8 to 23 December 2023, where businesses can sell their products and tell about their services under one roof. Local businesses are invited to participate and can express their interest through a separate registration form.
The theme of the day: product development in the food sector
The Food Growth Network members got to know more about product development under the guidance of Foodwest's Development Manager Sissi Kaskela. Foodwest gives a boost to food industry players who want to grow into pioneers. Foodwest is an industry specialist that understands the business, the consumer world and the whole arc of product development. Foodwest has also been involved in MTV's Finnish Success Recipe TV series in a variety of expert roles, from judging to background work.
Product development includes, step by step, defining the requirements and solutions of the product to be developed, market testing, conceptualisation and simulation of the selected solution, definition of the final solution, prototype testing, manufacturing and quality assurance planning, and planning for further development and production. Product development can also be, for example, improving the characteristics of an existing product, designing product packaging, food services, the nutritional quality of a product, a menu, or improving the efficiency of product manufacturing. Product development can last from a few weeks or months to several years.
- Product development is a long-term, planned and analytical process that requires a lot of documentation and patience. The groundwork has to be done well, Kaskela reminded.
The Food Growth Network generated a lively discussion on current trends in product development, consumer behaviour and different raw material solutions.
- Idea, product novelty, timing, raw materials used, retailer interest, market and commercial success are the most important elements in product development that measure its success, the Growth Networkers reflect together.
At the end of the Growth Network meeting, the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to visit Wurst's production facilities. You can learn more about Wurst's story and the production of its products in the Järvenpäämedia business series published in autumn 2021.
Is your company interested in the Järvenpää Food Growth Network?
The next meeting of the Food Growth Network will take place in Järvenpää in March 2024, again with a new theme.
If you are interested in the activities of the Food Growth Network, please contact Susanna Aramo, the network's leader, by email [email protected] or by phone 040 315 3130.
The following companies in Järvenpää are already part of the food growth network: Foodiq, Helsingin Mylly, Herkkupaja, Järvenpää K-Citymarket, Kakkutalo Gilan, Lidl distribution centre, Pentisol, Pitomer, Primula, Woikoski, Wok Wok and Wursti. In addition, the growth network is complemented by the services of Keuda, Keuke and the TE services of Uusimaa. Business Järvenpää is the network's leader.
The Food Growth Network ready for a tour of Wurst's production facilities. Sallamari Lempinen, Wurst's Product Manager, is pictured in white. Photo by Ari Minadis.