Valdibella Organic Co.
Valdibella is an organic cooperative in the heart of Sicily that was established in 1998. Their agricultural practices focus on biodiversity and native crops. Valdibella produces honey, wheat, pasta, almonds, wine, olive oil and different vegetable-based sauces and spreads. While working at Valdibella I had the opportunity to work in their test lab on product development of almond chocolate spread, almond crackers, almond butter, and ketchup. I also worked in their production facility producing and packaging pesto, tomato sauce, almond cream and wine.
Goodio Organic Craft Chocolate
Goodio is an organic craft chocolate producer in Helsinki, Finland. Goodio was established in 2015 with the goal of producing fair sourced organic chocolate with Nordic flavors. Flavors such as wild blueberry, sea buckthorn and terva make their chocolate products unique to Finland and created a global customer base for those desiring a high-quality chocolate Nordic chocolate. While working at Goodio I had the opportunity to work in their production facility where I learned how to roast cocoa beans, stone grind cocoa, temper, mold and package chocolate. I also had the opportunity to learn about the sourcing practices of their high-quality ingredients.
Oma Maa Organic Co.
Oma Maa is an organic cooperative in Tuusula, Finland that was established in 2009. Oma Maa’s Production model has been called the most diverse community supported agriculture (CSA) initiative in the world. Members of Oma Maa have the opportunity to visit and learn about their organic practices as well as purchase goods from the general store. While working at Oma Maa I had the opportunity to work on recipe development, work in their grain packing facility as well as harvest produce and plan for next years harvest.
Helsieni Mushrooms
Helsieni is a mushroom producer in Helsinki, Finland who prides themselves on reusing and reducing waste. Helseini’s mushroom farm cultivates mushrooms using used coffee grounds from local cafes. They also teach classes on home mushroom growing as well as sell kits and products to ensure successful home mushroom cultivation. While working at Helsieni I had the opportunity to learn and participate in mushroom production and harvesting as well as work on product development of mushroom jerky a dried smoked oyster mushroom snack.