Exploring the export opportunities and challenges for Finnish natural food producers in the Kymenlaakso region

Abstract

This study investigates the export opportunities and challenges of natural food producers in Finland’s Kymenlaakso region, with a particular focus on companies using forest berries and mushrooms. Through using a qualitative approach and combining a systematic literature review with semi-structured interviews, this study explores the factors affecting producers' international market access. The findings indicate that the main barriers to export potential come from the six interconnected factors: fragmented supply chains, difficult regulatory requirements, poor market visibility, low production scale, high logistics and infrastructure expenses, and climate-related raw materials variability. These factors create a circle and thus make it hard for the companies to compete in the market. The regulatory frameworks, particularly the EU Novel Food and health-claim regulations, make it even more difficult to find compliance pathways and to express the positive aspects of the products. Despite all these challenges, opportunities exist in value-added processing, niche premium markets, cooperative models, and digital sales channels. The study concludes that, better export performance will demand joint efforts in policy, infrastructure, and producer partnerships. The results give an insight into the regional stage of export and identify areas for future research on natural-food commercialization in Finland.