Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Taste of Sweden
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Svenskt Butikskött Photo:
Photo: Staffan Erlandson
Svenskt Butikskött
proach to all these issues by developing an ambitious National Food Strategy. This will involve production throughout the food supply chain – for both primary produce and processed foods. It will be based on competitive primary production that can meet the demands for safe and healthy products. The potential is huge, in further processed products as well as in those with clear added value, such as organic products. In order to boost the production of Swedish food, we are also drawing attention to the export opportunities for small and medium-sized producers. We are confident that consumers in other parts of the world are willing to try more of Sweden’s foods. The perspective of the consumer is central to working with this strategy. The production and processing of food must match what consumers want, and even if these consumers are not a homogenous group with the same demands, we can see clear trends emerging – trends that are not always so different between Sweden and Italy, the US or China. Clearest of all is the increasing demand for safe and healthy food. Consumers also want to be better informed with information they see as relevant – from country of origin to calorie content. In Sweden, we also have
the Green Keyhole symbol as a label for healthy choices, adopted by several neighbouring countries and attracting interest in other parts of the world too. What is important is that the information is clear and enables consumers to make healthy choices. Because we must also remember that the health perspective is not just a choice: it is vital. So, besides giving consumers the tools to make healthy choices, research and innovation have key roles to play for new and even healthier products, just as they do in more sustainable production.
Photo: Kristian Pohl/Regeringskansliet
give more people the chance to discover Swedish food and Sweden as a true culinary destination. And we want to play a part in making global food production more sustainable. For truly good food – and great food – from Sweden. Sven-Erik Bucht, Sweden’s Minister for Rural Affairs
And we must not, of course, forget about taste. Taste is – and should be – a fundamental part of the food we choose – and of eating well. I am truly proud of the excellent cuisine that is thriving in Sweden with our world-ranking chefs and restaurants. And this culinary experience and expertise will of course inform and flavour our work with the National Food Strategy. I can also see great potential in developing tourism linked to our cuisine, food and culture, in hunting and fishing, and in nature-based ecotourism. Sweden has so much to offer in these areas. So with Sweden’s National Food Strategy we can both boost the production of great food and create more jobs throughout the entire chain of production. We want to
Photo: Solina Group
Issue 85 | February 2016 | 31