Finland - Giving Argentinians a taste of traditional Finnish brewing

Mallaskoski Brewery (part of Momentin Group Ltd) is an award-winning beer producer from Seinäjoki in western Finland. It is already known for its dark craft beer in its home country of Finland, and also in Sweden, in the Baltics and in Asia.

The company now has 18 employees and has an annual turnover of €1 million. The goal is now to continue to make its mark on the international market.

Mallaskoski Brewery produces 500,000 litres of beer per year using traditional brewing methods without additives. The different beers, mainly dark ones, are made with traditional Finnish staple grains such as rye. Mallaskoski does not shy away from the darkness of Northern Europe, but has rather embraced it.

The company sees growing demand for its types of beer in South America, and especially in Argentina, and would like to launch exports there. A trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur would open up a whole new market, where similar tastes in beer are found on both sides of the Atlantic.

The EU-Mercosur deal could help Mallaskoski by opening up Argentina's market. EU companies currently pay a 20% tariff when exporting beer to Argentina. The agreement would remove customs duties for Mallaskoski's products in the Mercosur states.

The agreement could also cut the hassle currently involved in exporting to Mercosur countries - by, for example, simplifying customs procedures.

It is not only the tango that Argentina and Finland have in common, but also the appreciation for metal music. This music goes hand in hand with our dark craft beer, which is why we believe the Argentinian market would be positive for us. With improved chances to networks and local contacts, it would become a lot easier to export to Argentina.

Tommi Ruuska,
Business Unit Director, Mallaskoski Craft Brewery

Find out more about the EU's trade relations with Argentina and Mercosur