Nordic food enters new territories

Nordic Council of Ministers and KreaNord has been the main contributors to New Nordic Food II’s annual budget. A midway evaluation shows that Nordic food culture is making its entrance into new areas.

Nordic food in institutions and branding Improving meal quality in hospitals, schools and other institutions and using Nordic food in the region’s branding are among NNF II’s priorities.
“The evaluation shows that NNF II has increased the awareness of Nordic food culture and drawn attention to the qualities of our produce. We have developed branding concepts involving Nordic gastronomy and encouraged food innovation in the region,” says Lena Brenner, chair of the NNF II steering committee. The effort is based on political commitment from the Nordic countries and contributions from a wide range of food professionals, cultural experts, designers and artists.

Evaluation shows promising results
The midway evaluation was conducted by CMA Research for the Swedish Board of Agriculture in January. 247 respondents, including programme stakeholders, management and project participants took part in the study. Results indicate that New Nordic Food II’s activities are being carried out according to the plans laid out by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The study also identifies important development opportunities for the programme.

“The large number of international activities and rising interest from abroad requires that we increase communication about New Nordic Food in English. Also, we will direct more attention towards the SME’s (Small and Medium Seizes Enterprises) and the education system in the next two years. Food education for children is one of the most important fields we are moving into,” Brenner says.

Further information: 
Lena Brenner, Chair of the NNF II steering committee, lena.brenner@landsbygd.ax, +358(0) 457 526 7305

Bettina C. Lindfors, Communications advisor, NNF II bettina.c.lindfors@gmail.com +358 (0) 50 599 5244,

www.newnordicfood.org

New Nordic Food II is a communication programme under the Nordic Council of Ministers that promotes Nordic food in the region and internationally. NNF II runs in the period 2010-2014. NNF II focuses on improving meals in homes and institutions, strengthening children’s food culture and encouraging local food production and use of food when promoting the region. NNF II sees gastronomy as a valuable creative industry and promotes cooperation with other Nordic creative industries.