KISMET - Sustainable Food Environments Final Conference in Finland

13 November 2025

KISMET’s Final Conference was held in beautiful South Savo, Finland, on 10–13 November 2025. It brought together Partners, Associated Organisations, Friendship Cities, Stakeholders, and guests. Altogether, 55 people joined us from seven countries: Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.

The conference began on Monday at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. From there, the bus took us first to Mikkeli City, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the charming Tertti Manor. The journey then continued to Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän in Rantasalmi, where welcoming accommodations awaited us. There wasn’t any snow yet, but the atmosphere at Järvisydän was warm and welcoming, with seasonal lighting and wooden exteriors creating a cozy feel.

The Results of Our Joint Work

Tuesday started with opening words from Lead Partner Torsten Gasser, City of Hamburg, followed by greetings from Teija Rautiainen of South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and Mari Bahrami from the Regional Council of South Savo. We also learned about the fascinating history of Järvisydän from Patrik Heiskanen, one of the entrepreneurs.

Together, we reflected on our shared achievements. In the first part of the project results presentation, the partners compiled the piloted actions and tools they had developed in collaboration with their respective Local Innovation Partnership partners. These measures resulted in the Sustainable Food Environments and Circular Food Systems Solution. Under the leadership of Dr. Lars Schieber, Rem Consult GmbH, the partners shared their successes, challenges, lessons learned, and future steps to enable sustainable food environments.

In the second part of the project results presentation, we focused on Friendship City cooperation and implementing a Sustainable Food System. The goal of the session was to share knowledge, learn from regional experiences, and co-create insights and future pathways for sustainable food systems. Dr. Jolanta Droždz, Lithuanian Innovation Centre, invited participants to jointly reflect on the “recipes for success” in implementing a sustainable food system – what has worked, the challenges that have hindered progress and future development, what should come next.

In the third part of the project results presentation, we, under the guidance of Dr. Rebekka Küchler, City of Hamburg, focused on reflecting on how to “Make the KISMET vision last: Sustainable food systems for all.” KISMET is more than one solution. We work on solutions to make our food systems more sustainable. We need political commitment and engagement from decision-makers to bring these solutions to life, as well as strong, lasting partnerships. KISMET is more than a project – it is a living network.

At the end of the event, the partnership we established was recognized as valuable for continuing the work on solutions for a sustainable food system. As a symbolic act, all KISMET project partners, associated organisations and friendship cities/institutions signed the KISMET Manifesto — committing to maintain the established partnership and uphold the vision of the KISMET project “Sustainable food systems for all” beyond the project’s duration.

The True Meaning of Passion Towards Local Food and Sustainability

The day, filled with innovative speeches and meaningful encounters, ended with a magnificent dinner at Restaurant Solitary. Entrepreneur Remi Trémouille shared the true meaning of passion for local food and sustainability. The five-course menu, featuring local ingredients and fresh fish from the nearby lake Saimaa, is something we will never forget.

Insightful day in Savonlinna

Wednesday was dedicated to a study visit to Savonlinna. On the bus, Eva Keretic, Foodworks, led a lively sing-along to set the tone for the day. Our first stop was Savonlinna’s Townhall, where Susanna Peura, Operations manager, presented the insights into Savonlinna’s Development Services accompanied by coffee and a local delicacy called Lörtsy.

Next, we visited Heikinpohja Comprehensive School in Savonlinna, where we learned from Johanna Kotilainen, Head of Food and Cleaning Services, about the history and current state of Finland’s free school lunch system. Free school meals have been offered in Finland for 77 years! Nearly 850,000 pupils and students are entitled to a free lunch, meaning everyone in pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary education benefits. Naturally, we also enjoyed lunch at the school.

In the afternoon, we explored inland fishing in Finland by visiting the operations of Kerimäen Fish House. Production Manager Timo Mutikainen gave us insightful presentations on fishing, processing, and the future of fisheries. Most of the fish processed at Fish House is vendace caught from Lake Puruvesi. In December 2013, Puruvesi vendace was granted EU name protection. The reputation and quality of Puruvesi vendace are based on its clean living environment.

The Savonlinna visit was crowned by a tour of Olavinlinna Castle and one last dinner together. A medieval fortress dating back to 1475, Olavinlinna Castle is the town’s most iconic landmark. It hosts the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival each summer, attracting music lovers from around the world.

Closing a Remarkable Journey

As these three days marked the closure of a remarkable three-year journey, there was a touch of wistfulness in the air. But rather than sadness, the mood was one of celebration—honoring the achievements, friendships and shared experiences that have defined this project. Looking ahead, new plans are in motion, and we hope to see many more, ensuring that KISMET’s legacy continues. As Eva Keretic says, “We did it for you”.