New report from OpenUp investigates the future of small-scale food production

From having been the industry we most trusted, the large-scale food industry has suffered a great deal as a result of the many food scandals and changes in trends over recent years. Small-scale and artisan-produced food is now very popular and are considered by many to be the definition of “real” and “authentic” food. Small-scale, in other words, is an industry of the future. But a prerequisite for growth is availability to the consumer. Obtaining artisan-produced food must be simple and straightforward.

That much is clear in the 30-page report produced by OpenUp. The information comes from interviews carried out some years ago as well as entirely new interviews with about 20 producers in southern Sweden.

The report covers a number of factors considered to be important for the future of small-scale food production. There are also a number of suggestions for things that could be the next trends in this area.

The report notes that there will be many challenges for small-scale industries in the future, but that challenges can also create opportunities. A pervasive problem is that it is difficult for small businesses to grow if they still want to keep production at an artisanal level.

We’ll post a link when the report has been translated to english.