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Five from Finland

Ice cream

Finns enjoy ice cream all the year round.Shutterstock

Finland consumes more ice cream per capita than any other European country. Here are five examples of the nation’s passion for frozen flavours.

SUOMEN JÄÄTELÖ

With a company name that translates as “Finland’s ice cream”, one is not surprised to learn that this company stocks local flavours such as spruce and uses Finncattle milk to ensure a great texture for its frozen delights.

International ice cream lovers were first introduced to the unique Nordic flavours in 2018, when a collaboration with Japanese lifestyle company MUJI was launched. Since then, the brand’s ice cream has made its way into MUJI stores in eight European metropolises, including Munich, London, Paris, Milan and Barcelona.

“Even a small company can make it to the big markets if the product is right, genuine and distinct,” observed founder Petri Laukontaus.

All good things come in threes, right? The first three flavours from this matey trio – blueberry-cardamom, strawberry-vanilla and raspberry-white chocolate – hit the shelves in Finland eight years ago. Such was their success that the company was inundated with flavour suggestions.

Now the company’s ice cream portfolio consists of over a dozen inventive flavours, including vegan and less-sugar options. With its award-winning signature orange packaging, this ice cream is a treat not only for the taste buds, but also for the eyes.

“Our ice creams are made of natural, real ingredients from scratch, without cutting corners,” underlined co-founder Heikki Huotari. “We roast our nuts and prepare our sauces ourselves to make the flavours taste so real that they can be instantly recognised even if you’ve not seen the package.”

With an alcohol content varying between 3.8 and 4.2 per cent and flavours ranging from honey rum and whiskey coffee to sweet pear and liquorice, Bad Santa mixes ice cream and cocktails in one scoop. Needless to say, this product is not for children, but rather for adults who fancy an offbeat treat perfect for warmer months.

“Bad Santa is meant to be enjoyed right after purchasing, and it tastes best in the sunshine,” stated CEO Jens Lönnqvist.

The Turku-based company is eyeing promising export opportunities in various European countries and tested the German market last year.

This boutique ice cream maker is known for using clean, ethical ingredients without a chemical load. With artisan tradition and organic production at its core, the company offers some truly surprising and delicious flavours like coconut-lime, hazelnut-mudcake and pine. The refreshing treats also include options suitable for a vegan diet.

Since its founding in 2014, Suomisen Maito has gained a notable foothold in Finland, and its ice creams, which can satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth, have been exported to Japan, Sweden, the UK, Germany and Austria.

“It’s wonderful to see that our vision of a high-quality food product that is based on sound values also resonates outside the borders of Finland,” declared CEO Horst Neumann.

It was in the spring of 2018 when this Finnish dairy giant returned to the ice cream shelves after a 14-year break by introducing an entirely lactose-free ice cream line of six intriguing flavour combinations.

Now, Finland’s most sustainable brand is treating consumers to over a dozen mouth-watering flavours, including ice creams rich in protein and fava bean-based options for vegans.

“Valio has long history as an ice cream producer, and we know what Finns like when it comes to ice cream,” said Senior Vice President Jussi Mattsson. “We want to offer ice cream lovers something new and delicious and that many people can enjoy.”

Originally published in March 2019

By: James O’Sullivan
27.07.2020