Fine Foods North Open Call – Exporting Artisan Cheese and Complementary Fine Food products from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to the UK

The project is implemented by the Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” as the lead partner, in cooperation with the Estonian Rural Tourism Organisation (ERTO) and Yrityssalo (Business Salo) from Finland.

We are proud of the artisan cheeses and other outstanding fine food products from our region that complement them. These are high-quality, authentic products made from local ingredients, reflecting the flavours, traditions and identity of the Nordic and Baltic region.

Joining the Northern Baltic Cheese and Fine Foods brand and project will give producers of artisan cheese and other fine food products an opportunity to prepare for the UK market, take part in trainings and receive expert support, as well as participate in promotional, tasting and sales events in the United Kingdom and at international food industry events. Participation in the project will also provide opportunities to build new business contacts, jointly promote products and benefit from other opportunities offered by the Northern Baltic Cheese and Fine Foods brand. The project welcomes artisan cheese producers as well as producers of other fine food products that pair well with cheese (e.g. jams, marmalades,  crackers, biscuits, beverages, honey, chutneys, jams, pickles, beverages, etc.). Project duration is from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029. The call is open for the project duration.

Producers wishing to participate in the project activities must meet the following criteria:

• Registered with the national food authorities as a recognized producer (requirement for Latvia for export activities) and compliant with food safety regulations.
• Producing from natural local high quality ingredients.
• Interest in and sufficient production capacity for exporting the produce to the UK. Having clear plans or potential for further investment and business development could also be considered when assessing a company's readiness for the project.
• Ability to communicate in English. The company should have someone who can communicate in English and represent the company and its products when needed. This does not necessarily have to be the producer himself.
• Willingness to collaborate in promoting the products under the common brand “Northern Baltic Cheese and Fine Foods” (tentative brand title).
• Willing to actively participate in project activities, meetings, training and promotion activities in the UK.
• Willing to contribute also own resources in participation in marketing and sales events.

Further information about the project: https://www.celotajs.lv/en/project/48

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to become a participant in the Fine Foods North project, please send a short description of your company to lauku@celotajs.lv, referring to this call for applications.

This activity was supported as part of an Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project  “Exports of Artisan Cheese and Complementary Fine Food products from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to the UK” (CB1000584), co-funded by the European Union. This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Latvian Country Tourism Association "Lauku celotajs" and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.