Blogs

Steam is widely used across various industrial sectors in numerous product manufacturing processes. In the food industry, such as at Kaskein Marja’s production facility in Lappeenranta, steam is essential for processes like sterilization and pasteurization. Traditionally, steam has been produced using fossil fuels, leading to emissions and dependency on fluctuating fossil fuel costs.

By using Elstor’s thermal energy storage system, Kaskein Marja has adopted a more sustainable and cost-effective way to produce steam.

Elstor’s Cutting-edge Thermal Energy Storage Technology

The technology behind Elstor’s system is cutting-edge. It is a high-temperature thermal storage unit that can store energy in the form of heat and later discharge it as steam or heat as required by the process.

What makes this system remarkable is its ability to produce steam with zero emissions with a competitive price. The storage unit is charged during periods of low electricity prices — typically when renewable energy sources like wind and solar are generating excess power. When steam is needed in the production process, the stored energy is released, generating steam automatically based on the factory’s needs.

High Efficiency and Real-time Automation

The Elstor system has an efficiency rate of more than 95%, greatly improving the overall energy efficiency of the production process. Its automation allows for real-time adjustments based on process demand, ensuring that steam is generated only when needed. This not only reduces the total energy consumption but also lowers operating costs.

Environmental Benefits and Grid Support

From an environmental point of view, Elstor technology represents a major step forward. By relying on stored renewable energy to generate steam, the system contributes directly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It aligns perfectly with global goals for carbon neutrality and green energy transition.

Additionally, the technology supports the electricity grid by providing flexibility and storage capacity. During times of high electricity demand, the system can remain idle, storing energy only when supply is abundant, and costs are low. The charging and discharging processes of Elstor system are independent which means that the charging can be done according to the electricity grids needs while the steam production adjusts to the needs of the production facility.

Kaskein Marja’s Sustainability and Cost Benefits

By switching to this innovative steam generation method, Kaskein Marja has been able to reduce its carbon footprint while also lowering energy costs. The fully automated system requires minimal supervision, allowing resources to be reallocated to other areas of production. In addition, the use of renewable energy improves the company's sustainability profile, which is increasingly important for consumers and investors alike.

High-protein diets have long been celebrated for their health benefits. From fat loss to muscular growth, foods rich in protein have enjoyed strong demand from consumers across the globe. While it continues to be a favored macronutrient, protein is being increasingly complemented by an emphasis on micronutrients – vitamins and minerals that are equally vital for overall health.

Recent data (Mintel GNPD, June 2019-May 2024) suggests that producers and advertisers are gradually shifting their focus to foods rich in vitamins and minerals instead. There is a good reason for that.

The Harms of Micronutrient Deficiency

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2 billion people across continents are deficient in key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Such nutrient deficiencies can often lead to a host of ailments, including cognitive decline, stunted growth, perinatal complications, and degenerative diseases – all preventable.

One could be forgiven for blaming poor dietary choices or scarcity of nutrient-dense food as the main culprits, but the answer is not that simple.

Soil Depletion: The Hidden Crisis Behind Nutrient Deficiency

One of the lesser-known contributors to micronutrient deficiency is the depletion of nutrients in the soil. According to researchers writing for the Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, intensive farming, monocropping, and overuse of chemical fertilizers are examples of modern agricultural methods that have drastically reduced the amount of minerals in soils.

The vital elements necessary for plant growth and, by extension, human health have been significantly depleted from soil during the past century. As such, foods that are often thought of as being highly nutritious may be lower in vitamins and minerals than they were a few decades ago.

But all is not lost. Through practices like regenerative farming, reduced chemical usage, and organic agriculture, this trend can be reversed and food made nutritious again. In the meantime, people can take the easier step of consuming forest berries to increase the amount of essential micronutrients in their diets.  

Forest Berries: Nature’s Vitamin and Mineral Powerhouses

Forest berries, like blueberries and lingonberries, are naturally high in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins. They are a concentrated source of nutrients that can fill the gaps left by depleted soils.

In contrast to highly processed foods, which frequently need fortification to make up for nutrient losses, berries provide a natural and delicious way to boost intake of these important micronutrients. With their high nutrient density and minimal processing, incorporating berries into daily meals supports overall health. In short, you can enjoy the variety of flavors offered by berries while simultaneously making a significant step toward addressing nutrient deficiencies. 

Every year, deep in the Nordic forests, Polarica’s wild berry harvest begins – a process that transforms wild berries into premium products. Let's take a closer look at the journey of Polarica's berries, from the moment they are hand-picked from the forest to their distribution to homes and businesses across the globe.

Sourcing and Transportation from Nordic Forests

It all starts with our hard-working berry pickers, who find the best wild berries from the vast Nordic landscapes. They make sure that only the highest quality berries make it into our supply chain, preserving the authentic taste and nutritional value of each fruit.
Once harvested, the berries are transported to our processing facility, where they undergo a thorough weighing and classification process.

Processing and Packaging for Consumers

Polarica employs a range of processing methods, including freeze-drying, osmotic drying, and juicing. These methods preserve the integrity of the berries while offering different product options.

Once cleaned and sorted, the berries are packaged in various formats to cater to the unique requirements of our diverse customer base. From retail packaging to bulk containers, we ensure that each product maintains its freshness and quality until it reaches the consumer's table. 

Our finished products are stored in a strategically located warehouse next to our processing facilities. This efficient setup enables seamless inventory management and timely distribution of our products to customers worldwide, including retailers, food service establishments, and industrial clients. 

The Importance of Quality Control

Wild berries are the true wonders of the forest. Sweet, healthy, and delicious, berries are a mainstay of the Nordic diet. While blueberries have received the most attention due to their nutritional benefits, little is known about the forest's hidden treasure: lingonberries.

A number of recent studies have shed new light on the extraordinary benefits of consuming what can realistically be termed a super-berry.

A Gift from the Dense Nordic Forest

Lingonberries are small, red berries commonly found in the forests and tundra regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have a tart, slightly sweet flavour and are rich in vitamins C and A, fiber, and other antioxidants. In Nordic cuisine, lingonberry sauce is often served with wild meat dishes.

Lingonberries are also rich in antioxidants crucial for protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals. This oxidative stress is linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, 100 g (one serving) of lingonberries provides 12% of the RDI for vitamin C, promoting overall health and longevity.

Benefits Backed by Solid Research

A study from 2015 revealed that lingonberries significantly reduce inflammation and prevent liver damage associated with obesity. The research showed that these berries downregulate genes linked to inflammation that decreases hepatic steatosis and improves liver function in mice on a high-fat diet.

Besides liver health, lingonberries have also been found to enhance cognitive function and support gut health. A 2022 study demonstrated  that these berries improve cognitive performance and positively influence gut microbiota composition in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Yet another study published in 2023 concluded that a mixture of Nordic berries, including lingonberries, can significantly enhance cognitive and metabolic functions. The research emphasized the crucial role of lingonberries in facilitating a balanced microbiome, which in turn supports better brain and metabolic health.

A Must-Have for the Health-Conscious

As evidenced by a growing body of research, lingonberries provide multifaceted benefits — from reducing inflammation and supporting liver health to enhancing cognitive functions and optimizing metabolic processes. While most of the research has been conducted on mice, a groundbreaking human study on lingonberries is set to be published in the coming months — promising to confirm the previous findings.

As we continue to look for natural ways to improve our health and wellness, lingonberries have the potential to be the next "big thing" in the life-enhancing world of superfoods.

For many years now, Polarica has offered working opportunities to berry-pickers from Thailand. This was mostly done in cooperation with local Thai sub-contractors who were responsible for recruitment and basic level training in Thailand. 

This year, however, we decided to oversee the recruitment process ourselves in order to exert greater control over the value chain. In March 2024, we participated in a recruitment event with representatives from Fair Trade Finland. The event was organized to facilitate knowledge sharing between headhunters and berry pickers and to discuss the practicalities of working in Finland. 

We were also participating in a pilot program along with other companies to set up criteria for Fair Trade marked berry-picking in Finland. The criteria was published in June 2024.

Meeting with Around 360 Pickers

We visited Khon Kaen and Chajyaphum, Thailand, and met with approximately 360 berry pickers, including 20 new recruits. 

We held individual discussions with the berry-pickers, while representatives from Fair Trade Finland interviewed two pickers separately at each location. Our discussions revolved around the practical aspects of the pickers' work, covering topics such as working conditions in the forests, tools of the trade, meal arrangements, accommodation and other related matters. 

Our aim was to foster an honest dialogue with the pickers, highlighting the importance of collaboration and ongoing improvement in our operations. This was also emphasized in an external audit that was conducted in 2023 by Bureau Veritas for our operations in Finland.

Educating on Berry-Picker's Rights

During the event, we discussed the pickers' earning models and wage structures prevalent in the Nordic region. The berry-pickers provided valuable feedback to Fair Trade Finland on what they consider fair compensation for their work. 

Some of the Thai participants informed us that although berry-picking is strenuous, they find satisfaction in their work and are content with the compensation they receive in Finland. They were also wondering why media coverage concerning their work is so negative in the Nordic region.

It was both enlightening and rewarding for us to engage with these prospective berry pickers and listen to their perspectives. However, the rules and regulations with regards to berry-picking is currently unclear and it is uncertain whether we will get any pickers from Thailand to Finland and Sweden this year.

Mari Onkamo
Managing Director

Combating climate change requires stronger climate actions both in Finland and globally. Because calculating carbon footprint and reducing emissions is not enough, Polarica is undertaking voluntary climate actions aimed at accelerating the attainment of carbon neutrality.

Polarica has teamed up with Havulatva Oy, a climate change solutions provider. Polarica is investing in Finnish forest-based climate units managed by Havulatva's carbon sequestration system. Havulatva is amongst the first companies to have obtained the ISO 14064-2:2029 certification in Finland.

Improving Forests’ Nutrient Economy

To date, Polarica has redeemed 2520 tons of CO₂e of Finnish forest-based climate units. One climate unit is equivalent to one ton of CO₂e and represents a mitigation outcome achieved in a carbon sequestration project.

The carbon sequestration service focuses on improving the nutrient economy of Finnish forests. It is one of the most efficient methods to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Improved nutrient economy accelerates forest growth, leading to up to 50% more carbon sequestration compared to traditional methods.

Recalculations of Emissions

For reference, calculated in spring 2022, Polarica’s total carbon footprint for the year 2021 was 31,702 tons of CO₂e. The calculations were originally carried out in collaboration with Lumme Energia and CO2Esto, following the GHG Protocol. Subsequently, the calculations were adjusted according to recommendations from Polarica’s partner, ThirdRock.

We care about the impact we have on the people and the environment. Polarica’s business relies on the Nordic forests and their diverse ecosystems, hence it is important for Polarica to contribute to the increase in growth of forests and their carbon sequestration capacity.

At Polarica Berry Group, innovation is our driving force. With a vision to pioneer new berry and fruit products, we are expanding our range while offering our clients healthy and tasty alternatives. We are also dedicated to strengthening our footprint in the Nordics, Baltic states, and Poland, with plans for further expansion across Europe and Asia.

As a reliable supplier of wild berries and fruit-based products in the Nordic region, we take pride in delivering quality directly to our clients while also satisfying the special needs of our valued B2B partners.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond just creating new items; we are developing entirely new product categories to enhance our consumers' lives.

Coming Soon – New Products to Make Baking and Cooking at Home Easier

In recent months, we've been hard at work perfecting our latest products with the aim of making the consumers’ everyday lives healthier, easier, and tastier.

We created a variety of new delights by focusing on reducing sugar, eliminating additives, and increasing fruit content. Among these are Summertime Blues (forest berries) and Hello Yellow (sunny fruits), soon to be released to the Nordic market. These innovative fruit and berry products represent a new generation of culinary delights. We will also release our new milk-free, fibre-rich snacks, Purple Kisses (berries) and Yellow Sun (fruits). Some of our products will include simple "homemade" recipes, guaranteeing that our customers can experience convenience without sacrificing flavour or quality.

Yet, our commitment to innovation does not end there. Polarica cares deeply about creating a positive change in the berry sector. Through visionary leadership in sustainability, technology, and customer-centricity, we pledge ourselves to produce sustainable berry and fruit products that foster healthy lifestyles.

People Love It – Greetings from Food Fairs

On several fairs this spring, our new products have received overwhelmingly favourable feedback, with customers applauding their taste, consistency, and health benefits. We are thrilled to share these discoveries with the rest of the world, as we continue to push the frontiers of what is possible in the berry and fruit business.

Behind every successful venture lies a diligent planning process. Our concept planning considers market trends, customer input, and emerging technologies to ensure that we are always ahead of the curve.

This unrelenting commitment to innovation and excellence distinguishes us and propels us forward in our mission to transform the berry and fruit sector for future generations.

Pekka Koivisto
Polarica’s NPD, Sales & Marketing Director

At Polarica, we pride ourselves on sourcing the best mangoes from various places, ensuring that each fruit arrives at your table in the best possible condition. The journey of Polarica's mangoes — from cultivation to consumption — is detailed below.

Polarica ensures that the journey of mangoes from the farms to the consumers undergoes a meticulous and high-quality process.

Sourcing and Processing is the First Step

Peru and Vietnam are the countries we visit in our search for the best mangoes. Sourcing different varieties from several regions enables us to offer our customers a wide selection of high-quality mango products.

Mangos on a farm in Vietnam are shielded from the scorching sun, aiding in their growth and protecting them from excessive heat.

The fruits are harvested during the season at optimal point of their maturity. The mangoes undergo a thorough preparation process: they are washed, peeled, diced, and immediately frozen using Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) technology in their country of origin.

This freezing method preserves mangoes at their full ripeness so that they retain their flavor and texture until they reach our customers' tables.

Transportation and Packaging to Ensure Ripeness

The frozen mangoes are shipped to our production facility in Poland under controlled conditions. Upon arrival, they are inspected to uphold our stringent quality standards.

After processing, the mango products are packed into appropriate boxes and bags and stored in our warehouse, ready for delivery.

Focus on Quality Control & Sustainability

Throughout the production process, ensuring the safety and quality of the products is our first priority. Each batch of mango products is tested in our laboratories to make sure that they meet our exacting standards for taste, texture, and hygiene.

The mangoes are always handpicked, precisely when they are perfectly ripe and juicy.

With every mango product that bears the Polarica name, customers can trust that they are enjoying nothing but the best.

Furthermore, we uphold our pledge to social responsibility by constantly evaluating and improving our labour standards. We also have an open dialog concerning the fair treatment of all workers involved in the mango supply chain.

 
Polarica's juicy and nutritious mangoes thrive under the tropical sun in Asia and South America.

From farm to factory, Polarica is committed to providing great mango products while preserving human rights, fostering fair labour standards, and reducing environmental impact. We hope to create a brighter, fairer future for mango production by forging collaborations with ethical suppliers and embracing sustainable practices.

Anna Dzięgiel
Purchase Manager

Polarica is proud to introduce our latest sustainability program, designed to minimize environmental impacts, enhance supply chain transparency, promote transparent business practices, and advance social responsibility.

The successful implementation of this program relies on effective management of internal sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with best practices, and staying abreast of evolving ESG standards. This necessitates close collaboration with executive leadership and active engagement with all departments to execute goals within the sustainability program. Hence, I am enthusiastic about taking on a coordination role and collaborating with the entire Polarica team to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

Setting the Standard in the Berry Industry

Our objective is to establish benchmarks for best practices, positioning Polarica as a forerunner in the berry industry. My enthusiasm for this role is driven by the recognition that sustainability permeates every aspect of our company's operations, exerting a tangible impact on both external and internal stakeholders.

The unwavering commitment from the company's owners, management, and the entire team not only fuels our motivation to tackle collective challenges but also instills a profound sense of purpose.

Key achievements in our sustainability initiatives to date include:

• Pledge to become the world’s first carbon-neutral wild berry company by 2035.
• Commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative, with the establishment of both near and long-term targets, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2035.
• Comprehensive human rights assessment conducted in 2023, leading to the establishment of a human rights policy.
• Development and implementation of the Polarica Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Formation of new cross-functional working groups dedicated to achieving our sustainability goals.
• Reduction of environmental footprint through plastic reduction, package optimization, and energy savings.
• Initiation of the implementation process for the ISO14001 environmental standard.

Sustainable Horizons

In the upcoming year, our primary focus will center on the continual implementation of our sustainability program. Moreover, we are committed to providing a thorough overview of the entire value chain and strengthening collaboration with suppliers to ensure transparency, uphold human rights, and mitigate risks.

Evidently, our ultimate goal is to set the standard for sustainability best practices in the berry industry.

Sustainability - Business Analyst
Piotr Stapurewicz 

Polarica Berry Group, the premier Nordic berry company, released its first sustainability report in June 2023. This significant step was aimed at communicating the company’s sustainability efforts to a broader group of stakeholders. The sustainability report marks the beginning of a much longer journey, as Polarica aspires to take the lead in driving positive change within the berry industry.

Driving Sustainability: Assessing Progress and Impact

Taking on a leadership role in driving change demands ambitious sustainability goals and a critical examination of established industry norms.

Polarica began by evaluating its current sustainability practices, aiming to better understand the environmental and social impacts of its operations. During the years 2022–2023, Polarica undertook the following key measures to assess its current sustainability status:

• Conducted a detailed emissions calculation in 2022,
• Completed a comprehensive human rights assessment,
• Introduced various feedback channels for berry pickers,
• Published a sustainability report adhering to the GRI standards,
• Conducted a stakeholder survey to supplement the sustainability report.

Setting Ambitious Goals: Polarica’s Sustainability Program

Understanding its operational impact is just the first step for Polarica. In spring 2023, the company unveiled a comprehensive sustainability program aimed at elevating its sustainability practices. This program sets forth clear goals and KPIs focused on:

• Minimizing environmental impacts
• Enhancing supply chain transparency
• Promoting transparent business practices
• Advancing social responsibility

Polarica's sustainability program, with goals extending until 2026, is now formally underway. To ensure progress, each program theme has designated workgroups responsible for regularly updating the CEO on advancements in their respective areas – Environment, People, Sales & Marketing. The CEO oversees the overall implementation and progress of the sustainability program.

Polarica’s Climate Partnership with Havulatva

Central to Polarica's climate strategy is the accurate calculation of its carbon footprint and targeted efforts to reduce emissions. Complementing these internal measures, Polarica has embarked on a climate-positive partnership with the Finnish carbon sequestration provider Havulatva Oy to increase soil fertility and biodiversity.

With extensive operations in Finland, Polarica is particularly invested in supporting carbon sequestration in Finnish forests.

Polarica is dedicated to continuously enhancing its sustainability practices. By achieving its set KPIs, the company aims to foster significant positive change within the berry industry