Study Visit in Seinäjoki, Finland: Next-generation foods

In Finland, the study visit will examine how Living Labs are enabling the development and testing of novel foods and alternative production methods, helping companies navigate consumer acceptance, regulation, and innovation adoption.

This event will bring participants to Seinäjoki, Finland, to explore how Living Labs can support innovation in the evolving agrifood landscape.

The second study visit will take place on 24–25 June 2025 in Seinäjoki, located in the heart of Finland’s renowned Food Province. This region plays a pivotal role in the country’s food sector, producing nearly one-fifth of Finland’s total food output. Seinäjoki is also home to the largest meat packing facility in the Nordics, highlighting the area's strong agrifood identity. The SEAMK Food Labs, part of the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, support both SMEs and larger companies through close collaboration in education and research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities. These strengths make it an ideal location for our second study visit.

The barrier case we will explore during this visit focuses on the introduction of novel foods and production methods—such as precision fermentation and cell-based meat—within traditional food systems. These innovations offer exciting opportunities but can also be overwhelming for end users. The study visit will examine how Living Labs can support companies and consumers in navigating this shift, particularly through sampling, test runs, and tastings, and what issues may arise in organising these activities.

Which Living Labs are involved and what makes them special:

• SEAMK Food Labs is a leading player in Finland’s food innovation ecosystem. It serves as a platform for education, applied research, and pilot-scale testing. As the food industry undergoes a major transformation toward sustainability, SEAMK Food Labs offers a modern laboratory environment where new food solutions can be developed and tested. Their work is grounded in a holistic understanding of the food chain and emphasises cross-sector collaboration to address today’s complex food challenges.

• Foodwest is a comprehensive food industry expert organisation that supports businesses throughout the entire product development cycle—from early-stage ideas to market launch. Their integrated services include product development, consumer and market research, food safety consulting, contract manufacturing, and branding. By working with both startups and established companies, Foodwest helps turn innovative food concepts into successful commercial products.

The study visit will focus on practical barriers and enablers related to consumer engagement, food innovation trials, and navigating regulatory and market entry challenges. Discussions will explore how Living Labs can build trust, collect feedback, and accelerate product development through real-world testing environments. Demonstrations and site visits will highlight the role of data, sensory evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in driving forward food innovation.