Lapland Gourmet Chefs: Artisan delicacies made from reindeer and berries in Sodankylä's Sattasessa

Artisan food as a way of life

Asko and Maritta Autio are entrepreneurs in Sattas, Sodankylä. Maritta says she is originally from Teno and Asko is from Sattas. The entrepreneurs are involved in reindeer herding, and according to Maritta, artisan food entrepreneurship comes naturally to them as they process food from their own reindeer and local berries.

"Artisan food production comes naturally when you have reindeer. I am from Teno, and we always had Teno salmon on the table at home. It feels like we have always eaten artisan food at home," Maritta laughs. Maritta says that the company's industrial hall is located in the yard of the couple's home, where they process products from local raw materials.

The entrepreneur says that she and her husband process everything possible from reindeer, including reindeer sausage, meat jelly, and smoked meat. The company also sells packaged reindeer parts and reindeer boxes. Maritta says that she processes berries into jams and juices, among other things.

The entrepreneur says that sales currently take place mainly from the production facilities in Sattas, but some products are also sold to restaurants. "So far, we have sold our products ourselves without retailers. We sell some to restaurants, but not a lot; just certain small restaurants and kiosks," Maritta sums up. The company also offers catering services.

Maritta says that three new artisan food products are currently in development and are almost ready. According to her, the challenge in product development is time. "Every day I mull over development ideas, but I run out of time. The year flies by quickly; there's no time in the summer, in the fall there are reindeer herding, soon it's Christmas, and then it's spring again," Maritta explains.