Päijät-Hämeen Viljaklusteri

Food and Beverage - Finnish grain expertise lies in LahtiApproximately 2,500 people in the Lahti region are employed by the food industry which is heavily based on companies that use grain as one of their raw materials. In fact, Lahti is home to Finland's most extensive and diverse grain cluster network, which represents the entire chain of grain processing from the field to the consumer’s table. The active network of companies includes notable Finnish brands and smaller, innovative actors in the sector.The Päijät-Häme grain cluster functions as a cooperation network for the grain producers and related industry in the area.As a branch of food industry, grain-processing industry is both traditional and modern. Its significant focus in the Lahti region has been research and development.The purpose of the Päijät-Häme Grain Cluster is to promote the regional networking of the cluster companies and the farmer members. It supports the cooperation of grain-processing companies and enhances the profile of the food industry.The whole value chain of the region is included in the Grain Cluster, from grain producers to industry and retail. The following companies, forming the cluster core, have been active in developing cluster operations.The Grain Cluster is divided into the bread chain and the beer and beverage chain. In these, the grain is processed through industry, retail and licensed premises to reach consumers, or to continue to further processing.Bread and beverage chainThe beer and beverage chain consists of ca. 450 barley farmers in the Päijät-Häme region, employing over 1000 people. The bread chain includes ca. 500 rye, barley and wheat farmers, providing a livelihood and employment for nearly 1200 people.CommitteesThe cluster also has three committees: the Bio-Byproduct committee, the Image and Travel committee, and the Grain Club. They each foster their allotted fields, with a focus on the cluster members’ shared needs and the over-all development of the grain industry.