Foodrealm Ostrobothnia : Developing regional gastronomy

The topic of this thesis is regional gastronomy and its development possibilities with special focus on the Ostrobothnia region of Finland. The aim of the report is to provide ideas and examples for development of regional gastronomy that can be implemented together with the findings of the questionnaire carried out in the thesis process and already existing local organizations. The report explains the concepts of locality and terroir and presents their role in gastronomy, tourism and anthropology. Examples of legal protection and marketing possibilities of local food supported by the European Union are presented. The symbolic meaning of food is explained. As a role model for successful regional gastronomic development, the example of Denmark and the New Nordic Cuisine Movement are explained. A report on Finnish food culture and Ostrobothnia is included. The findings of the qualitative research are reported on and feasible ideas for development are suggested