Holistic approach needed – no one-size-fits-all solution
We need to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to effort to improve our food systems. We need to implement a raft of initiatives simultaneously to create a sustainable, healthy, and resilient food system. 

Roll out meat and sugar taxes, as well as subsidies for fruit and veg
Research shows that disincentives such as taxes and incentives such as subsidies have an effect on buying behaviours. This could include taxes on certain types of meat, a point-of-sale tax on drinks with added sugar, or subsidies for vegetables. If the Nordic countries work together on these tools, public acceptance may increase, which is often a challenge in itself.

Bolster public procurement and training
The Nordics have a unique opportunity to use public-sector catering as an effective lever to influence consumers to make better choices elsewhere in their lives. Public-sector catering needs to be tailored to promote sustainable and healthy alternatives in line with NNR2023.

Develop a Nordic climate label for food
Product labelling has a positive impact on consumer behaviour. The Nordic countries have enjoyed huge success with the Keyhole label, which was developed in Sweden to guide consumers towards healthier choices. The Keyhole has since been further developed and rolled out in both Norway and Denmark. Denmark is now developing a climate label for food that we can work on together and roll out throughout the Nordics.

Develop common Nordic guidelines to reduce the marketing of unhealthy food
Several of our large food companies operate across the Nordic Region. Accordingly, the rules should be harmonised to make it easier for companies. It may therefore make sense to work on the design of stricter guidelines and legislation to reduce the marketing of unhealthy food under the auspices of Nordic co-operation. As things stand, legislation in this area is weak and new measures are needed to limit the advertising that influences us, and not least our children and young people, to develop unsustainable and unhealthy habits.

The report has been produced by Nordregio on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers.