A modern and diverse gastronomic region

The European Region of Gastronomy Award for Kuopio and North Savo is based, on the one hand, on strong food production and reliable availability of raw ingredients, whether foraged or cultivated, and on the other hand, on the high standard of restaurants in the region and the culinary heritage of Eastern Finland.

According to the vision of the rural programme, North Savo will be a nationally and internationally recognised gastronomic region in 2020. Food production and processing will be eco-efficient. This goal rests on the region's strong dairy and meat production, in addition to which a significant proportion of the country's berries, especially strawberries, are produced within the region. Milk production is based on a strong tradition and modern technology; dairy farms have invested in improving production and increasing efficiency. There are major dairy processing plants in the region, such as Valio's plants in Lapinlahti and the Maitomaa Dairy in Suonenjoki. The strength of our food production is purity and safety.

The development of a food cluster in North Savo is supported by a diverse education, research and innovation network. The network is activated through product development serving low-threshold businesses. Wide-ranging education is also one of the region's trump cards since actors in the creative sector, dance and music teachers are also trained in Kuopio.

The Kuopio region and North Savo has become a modern, diverse gastronomic region that respects traditions. The region's numerous artisanal primary producers supply high-quality and distinctive raw materials that regional restaurants and food companies process into delicious taste experiences.

The surrounding countryside provides a natural resource with regard to both the way of life and environmental values. Although tourism and multiculturalism have for decades brought new tastes and colours to Finnish cuisine, regional ingredients still form the basis of food preparation. The pure food of North Savo and the experiences associated with it provide a good cross-section of what the region can offer tourists.