Sweden the new culinary nation

Transcription

1 Sweden the new culinary nation

2 Photo: Peter Carlsson/Johnér

3 Sweden has unique advantages I would like to tell you about my vision of Sweden the new culinary nation in Europe. We want to create new jobs and growth by investing in cuisine and food production in combination with tourism. This vision extends all the way from field to fork, from institutional catering to luxury restaurant. We have so many unique advantages in Sweden. The Swedish summer, with plenty of sunlight, long days and cool evenings, produces fruit and berries that grow slowly and are full of flavour. The Swedish coastline is home to some of the best shellfish in the world. We have skilful farmers who supply fantastic produce, and nature that attracts people to our country from near and far. We have vast forests full of berries and mushrooms, as well as game. Our chefs are in demand around the world and receive international awards. Our food industry is the fourth largest industry employer in the country, and our tourism sector is growing. What is more, Swedish chefs and food innovators have a curiosity and an openness to external influences. Although we have a genuine culinary heritage, we never let it stand in the way of new ideas. Instead, we use it as a base on which to build new culinary experiences. To make our vision a reality, we are working throughout the entire chain from expert producers who provide our produce to those who process it, from restaurants to institutional catering and culinary experiences. Photo: Anna-Karin Nyman Eskil Erlandsson Minister for Rural Affairs

4 Photo: Per Magnus Persson/Johnér

5 Sweden has what it takes! Sweden s fantastic countryside supplies unique produce. This combination of nature and produce also offers opportunities for exclusive culinary experiences. The sea gives the west coast its shellfish, which are world-famous for their flavour; there are mussels and farmed oysters, and of course fresh fish caught daily. The great forests and wildernesses offer not just peace and quiet, but also game: an ingredient that holds a special place in Swedish cuisine. Culinary experiences are often a major part of tourists experiences and help shape their image of Sweden. Growing tourism gives Sweden an opportunity to develop further as a culinary nation. Sweden has a diversity of produce and manufacturing methods, blending Swedish culinary traditions with inspiration from other countries. Swedish chefs are renowned the world over for their ability to make the best of this blend of tradition and innovation. Sweden has a growing food industry that is of major importance to rural areas. Entrepreneurial spirit and ventures are a strong contributing factor to a dynamic countryside. This creates a regional food culture and a local identity. Attention is always paid to animal health and welfare. We are proficient in organic cultivation, and environmental thinking is far-reaching with regard to sustainable food production in cultivated and wild areas and in the sea. Sweden is also salmonella-free, which promotes consumer security.

6 The path to becoming the new culinary nation An action plan has been produced to realise our vision, based on five areas: primary production, processed food, food in the public sector, food tourism and restaurants. Primary production: The vision of Sweden as the new culinary nation rests on Swedish cultivated produce, which is produced using a high level of environmental awareness and animal welfare by skilled farmers, and also wild produce such as berries, mushrooms, game, fish and shellfish. Food production should increase along with profitability, and the Government is working to raise awareness of the added value in Swedish primary production outside Sweden s borders. Processed food: Food processing is currently Sweden s fourth largest industry employer and there are many successful food companies working with innovations and development of food products. The aim is for food exports to double by 2020 and for the number of food companies to increase. Food in the public sector: The meals served to our children in schools, to the elderly and to sick people are an important part of the vision of Sweden as the new culinary nation. These meals should be characterised by quality and the joy of food, and be served in a pleasant environment. The Swedish model of free school dinners for all children in compulsory school is unique in the world. It is in school that we learn to eat healthily and this stays with us throughout our lives. Food tourism: For many people, good food is an important part of their holidays. Food can, in itself, be a reason to visit a certain destination, particularly in combination with a nature experience. By attracting tourists to Swedish rural areas with a combination of food and experiences, major potential for companies to grow and expand their operations can be realised. Restaurants: Sweden is currently home to several top-class restaurants run by internationally renowned chefs. There should be more high-class restaurants throughout Sweden and there should be more more restaurants with stars in the Michelin Guide. The range and diversity of restaurants is also important. The quality of the food is of great importance, regardless of the price bracket. We look forward to welcoming you to Sweden the new culinary nation! Website:

7 Photo: PlattformJohnér

8 SE Stockholm Produced by: The Ministry for Rural Affairs, Sweden. Article no. L Printed by: EDITA, January 2011 Västerås, Sweden Cover photos: Alexsander Raus/Scanpix, Niklas Bernstone and Matilda Lindeblad/Johnér, Ulf Huett Nilsson, Miriam Preis, Anna-Karin Nyman