LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

Over the years, the cooperation between Kesko and Atria has evolved from a conventional supplier relationship into a stronger strategic partnership. Harri Hovi, Kesko’s SVP, Commerce and Sustainability, says that the close collaboration, which has lasted for more than a decade, is based on shared values, most importantly sustainability, local production and a detailed understanding of consumers.

 

In recent years, sustainability and data utilisation have become increasingly central to the partnership between Atria and Kesko. The cooperation spans everything from developing product selections to ensuring reliable deliveries and anticipating consumer needs. “Atria has strong expertise, particularly in the development of food categories. This supports Kesko's goal of providing customers with responsibly produced high-quality products,” Harri says.

 

Shared values guide cooperation

Finnish origin of products is a core value for both parties. Atria is a major player in the Finnish food supply chain and plays a key role in safeguarding domestic food production. The cooperation strengthens Finnish primary production and supports security of supply, which is important from the perspective of both society and customers.

 

According to Harri, sustainability efforts are shown in collaboration especially through action. Kesko’s target is to reduce its supply chain emissions by 35 per cent by 2034. Atria supports this with its own climate commitments. “Cooperation is very important if we want to achieve our emissions reduction target, as climate impacts often arise across the value chain,” Harri says.

 

Data-driven decision-making

Kesko's sustainability strategy is built around four main themes: climate and nature; the value chain; people; and good governance. Progress is monitored regularly through sustainability reports and a set of metrics. The collaboration with Atria also aims to standardise the metrics to allow the most transparent possible impact assessment of sustainability measures. For example, goals related to reducing food waste and the monitoring of their achievement are an essential part of the cooperation.

 

The cooperation between Kesko and Atria is strongly data-driven. Consumer data and the analysis of sustainability trends help assess which changes in consumer behaviour are here to stay, and which areas of development are worth investing in for the long term.

Openness is also an essential part of the partnership. “I feel that we can also address more difficult issues because we know that we can find solutions together,” Harri says.

 

Looking forward

Harri notes that the future of developing sustainability measures looks promising in many respects. Going forward, sustainability work will become an even more integral part of day-to-day collaboration. Key priorities include strengthening primary production in Finland, reducing climate impacts and increasing transparency in the supply chain. Leveraging data and consumer insights is crucial for anticipating customer needs and sustainably developing the long-term product range.

 

The collaboration between Kesko and Atria demonstrates that a sustainable food supply chain is built on partnerships that combine shared goals, open dialogue and tangible actions. “A long-term partnership is based on mutual trust and shared goals. They help us make the entire food chain more sustainable,” Harri summarises.