Suomalainen työ ry has awarded the Avainlippu label to products from Valamo Monastery, located in Heinävesi, as an indication of products manufactured in Finland. The Avainlippu label was awarded to the breads and sweet pastries, beard oils, clothing waxes, and candles produced at the monastery.
The Avainlippu is a symbol of Finnish work. The label can be granted to a product manufactured in Finland. In addition, the share of Finnish costs in the product's self-cost value, i.e., the domestic content, must be at least 50 percent. All costs related to the product are taken into account in the calculation.
“At Valamo Monastery, work is part of daily life and the rhythm of prayer, and many products are still made by hand, respecting traditional methods. For example, beard oils, birch bark candles, and waxes are made by the brotherhood, and our own bakery products are very popular among our guests. We applied for the Avainlippu because we want to highlight that our products are made here in Heinävesi and represent Finnish work. Domesticity, localness, and responsible practices are important values for us, and the Avainlippu helps to communicate them clearly to our guests,” says Markku Puustinen, Director of Tourism Services at Valamo Monastery.
The Avainlippu label is very well known in Finland. According to research by Suomalainen työ ry, almost all business decision-makers and consumers are familiar with the Avainlippu. The Avainlippu positively influences purchasing decisions for 68 percent of those who recognize the label. The Avainlippu is also the most motivating (74%) label for purchasing among all responsibility and domestic origin labels.
Nina Pohjoiskoski, Customer Relations Manager at Suomalainen työ ry, states that acquiring domestic products is seen as a societal influence and a responsible value choice that promotes Finnish competitiveness and well-being.
Consumers associate positive images with the Avainlippu regarding domestic origin, reliability, safety, responsibility, and employment. Through the Avainlippu, companies can communicate important values to customers and other stakeholders. As many as 94 percent of companies bearing the Avainlippu say that the label supports the sale of products and services, Pohjoiskoski states.
Further information
Markku Puustinen, Director of Tourism Services, Valamo Monastery
markku.puustinen@valamo.fi 040 351 7074
Nina Pohjoiskoski, Customer Relations Manager, Avainlippu, Suomalainen työ
nina.pohjoiskoski@suomalainentyo.fi, 050 344 6048
Valamo Monastery is a living center of Orthodox religious life and culture belonging to the Finnish Orthodox Church, and a unique destination. Located in Heinävesi, the monastery is open to visitors all year round. Valamo offers visitors an opportunity For contemplation, church services, and diverse tourism services.
The Avainlippu is a symbol of Finnish work. It can be awarded to products manufactured in Finland, services produced in Finland, and domestic online stores. The Avainlippu is a reliable way to communicate domestic origin and that a company employs people in Finland.www.avainlippu.fi
The main task of Suomalainen työ ry is to ensure that Finnish work and the good it generates are recognized. The association manages the Avainlippu, Design from Finland, and Yhteiskunnallinen Yritys labels and acts as a voice promoting expertise and job positivity in domestic work. www.suomalainentyo.fi
