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In February, Jaakkolan Tukku Oy took a significant leap forward when it was selected as the primary supplier of fruit and vegetables in Servica’s public procurement competition. This contract will increase the company’s revenue by approximately €2 million, doubling it to €4 million. At the same time, the company is set to hire an estimated five new employees, bringing the total workforce to around 20.
- We are truly excited about this partnership with Servica and eager to get started! This is an excellent step forward for us—not just in terms of sales growth, but also in the overall development of our business. The agreement strengthens local food production and takes our operations to a new level. This is not just an opportunity for us but for the entire region, says Development Director Niina Jaakkola.
Jaakkolan Tukku has long been a key player in North Karelia’s food market, but the Servica agreement now establishes it as a major supplier for food services in North Savo as well. Servica is responsible for public food services in the region, and starting in May, Jaakkolan Tukku will supply fruit, vegetables, and potatoes to various institutions, food service units, and restaurants across North Savo.
This agreement strengthens Jaakkolan Tukku’s position as a leading wholesale supplier of vegetables in Eastern Finland and opens new market opportunities and growth avenues.
Bringing quality local food to more tables
Jaakkolan Tukku’s story began with potato farming in the 1980s and expanded through storage and processing, eventually evolving into a full-service local food wholesaler in 2004.
Based in Välikangas, Ylämylly, the family-owned company—run by Jasse, Niina, and Kirsi Jaakkola, along with a team of skilled professionals—supplies fresh, high-quality vegetables and produces raw-processed food products for restaurants, institutional kitchens, the public sector, and the food industry.
In the picture:Niina, Kirsi, and Jasse Jaakkola.
At the heart of the company's operations are locally sourced vegetables, quality, and close collaboration with farmers and industry professionals—ensuring that more people can enjoy fresh, high-quality local food.
With its growing operations, Jaakkolan Tukku is seeking new farmer partners to join its supply network and meet the increasing demand for raw materials. Expanding deliveries from North Karelia to North Savo also requires improvements in logistics and production efficiency.
- Our growth would not be possible without local farmers. The partnership with Servica creates new opportunities for them as well, as we need a steady supply of high-quality raw materials. Our job is to ensure that our customers always receive fresh, high-quality food, Niina emphasizes.
Recipe for growth: Customer focus and quality
Success doesn’t happen by chance - it is built on listening to customers, continuous development, and providing solutions. Jaakkolan Tukku has grown steadily because it doesn’t just offer products but tailored solutions.
- Our strength lies in customer focus - we carefully listen to what restaurants and professional kitchens need and adjust our processing accordingly, says Niina.
Quality, freshness, and local sourcing guide every delivery. Even during rapid growth, the company remains committed to its values and works closely with farmers to ensure that raw materials meet the highest standards and that every customer gets exactly what they need in their kitchen.
Support for growth from Lipertek and Business Joensuu
Jaakkolan Tukku has leveraged various business support services to drive its growth. The Lipertek business service voucher has been a practical and easily accessible resource for planning generational transitions, business acquisitions, and marketing development.
Business Joensuu’s services have also played a key role. In particular, the DigiGrow coaching program provided concrete tools for customer engagement as well as improving marketing and advertising strategies.
The company actively participates in public procurement opportunities and takes advantage of Business Joensuu’s procurement evenings, where SMEs receive guidance on navigating tenders and competitions.
- Public procurement offers companies a great opportunity to expand their business. The Servica contract is proof that with long-term efforts and proper preparation, significant achievements can be made. Business Joensuu’s procurement counseling services offer valuable support throughout this process, Niina encourages.
Looking ahead – continued growth
The Servica contract is a significant milestone for Jaakkolan Tukku, but not the final destination. The company is actively seeking new growth opportunities, new channels, and even entirely new business areas.
- We want to grow, innovate, and strengthen our position in the industry. This agreement gives us momentum, but the work continues, Niina sums up.
The company is also actively involved in food industry networks, as its role as a bridge between farmers and end-users requires continuous market insight.
- It’s crucial to keep up with industry developments and engage in networks. This way, we can stay ahead of market trends and serve our customers even better, says Niina.
Jaakkolan Tukku continues to move forward with determination—ensuring that high-quality local food reaches more people than ever before.
Text: Jaana Karppanen, Lipertek Oy and Tanja Immonen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Heini Myller, Municipality of Liperi
For more information and to explore services:
Niina Jaakkola, +358 50 589 8761, niina@jaakkolan.fi
www.jaakkolan.fi
