The potential for apple cultivation and business in northern Sweden was explored at an interdisciplinary workshop organised by Northfood. Photo: Stefan Jansson
Northern Sweden may hold greater potential for apple cultivation and apple-based businesses than many realise. This was one of the key messages discussed when researchers, growers, companies and students gathered in Umeå for the interdisciplinary workshop “Apples – From breeding to business opportunities” on 2–3 February.
The event was organised by Northfood, one of Umeå University’s prioritized research areas, and brought together participants from academia, industry and the regional food sector to discuss how research, innovation and entrepreneurship can help strengthen the apple sector in northern Sweden.
“There is growing interest in developing apple production and apple-based products in northern Sweden,” says Stefan Jansson, one of the organisers of the workshop. “By bringing together researchers, growers, businesses and students, we wanted to explore both the scientific challenges and the business opportunities in this field.”
From orchards to premium food products
The discussions covered the entire apple value chain – from breeding and cultivation to processing, innovation and sustainable business development. Speakers from Umeå University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and companies across the apple value chain shared their perspectives on future research needs and opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
Participants highlighted that northern Sweden may offer untapped potential for commercial apple cultivation, supported by new varieties, breeding efforts and strategies for adapting fruit production to changing climate conditions.
At the same time, sustainable and viable business models were identified as just as important as technical advances. Discussions pointed to opportunities for innovation throughout the value chain – from orchards and musteries to premium food products and tourism experiences linked to local apple production.
Andreas Sundgren, Brännlands iscider, and Kristina Rehn, Tegsnäsets musteri, discussing challenges in making apple businesses profitable with workshop participants and students in Rotundan. Photo: Stefan Jansson
Students explored new business ideas
More than one hundred students from the course Business Development and Innovation at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics also took part in the workshop. After attending lectures and discussions, the students worked in groups to develop ideas for new apple-based business opportunities.
Their proposals were presented in a poster exhibition, showcasing suggestions ranging from climate-smart cultivation and circular production models to new food products based on locally grown apples.
Towards a white paper on apple production in Norrland
One concrete outcome of the meeting was the decision to explore the possibility of developing a joint “white paper”. The document would outline the research, organisation and support needed to strengthen apple production and related businesses in Norrland.
The initiative aims to build on the discussions initiated during the workshop and support continued collaboration between researchers, growers, companies and regional stakeholders.
For more information
Stefan Jansson
070-677 23 31