Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year
Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year is an entrepreneurial award established by MENY and HANEN, in collaboration with Dyrsku'n. The award aims to highlight the best talents in Norwegian local food production and contribute to increased quality, innovation and sustainability in the industry.
This award shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs who not only make great products, but also create value for the local community. Through their work, they contribute to increased value creation, sustainable development and pride in Norwegian raw materials.
Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year is a collaboration between HANEN, Menu and Animal Welfare
About the Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year award
The Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year is an award that honors the people behind the ideas, commitment and value creation in Norwegian local food. The award is presented to an entrepreneur who has made an extraordinary effort to develop and promote Norwegian local food production. The candidates are characterized by high quality in their work, a clear ability to innovate and a strong commitment to sustainable solutions.
What do you win?
- A cash prize of 75,000 kroner
- Opportunity to be a guest exhibitor at next year's Dyrsku'n
- An inspirational day with chef and leader of the MENY guild, Espen Schøning Lie, and category manager for local food and specialties at NorgesGruppen, Eivind Haalien
Nominate a candidate
Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year is an entrepreneurial award, not a product award. It highlights people who combine profession, business and commitment. It can be new concepts, new ways of using raw materials, or new ways of reaching the market.
Through the Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year award, people who dare to think new things are highlighted, whether it is about developing unique products based on local ingredients, finding new ways to reach the market or creating new experiences around food and production. At the same time, it is an important criterion that the entrepreneurs contribute to development in their local community, either through jobs, collaboration or increased local pride. A good example is Ødhumbla from Gudbrandsdalen, which was named Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 for its focus on low-pasteurized farm milk, small-scale farming and living farm traditions. Read more about the winner here: Øhumbla won Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
Through the nominations, we get a unique insight into what is happening in Norwegian food-Norway. Here we find the producers of tomorrow – those who set the direction for the development of Norwegian local food.
The price is established by MENU and HANEN in collaboration with Dyrsku'n, and aims to strengthen Norwegian local food as an industry. By highlighting good role models, the initiators want to inspire more people to invest in local food and contribute to increased value creation throughout the country. The Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year is therefore not just about winning an award, but about being a driving force for development, quality and sustainability in Norwegian food production.
The winner not only receives honor and attention, but also concrete opportunities for the future. The award includes a cash prize, professional development and visibility in the market, which often leads to new collaborations, increased sales and more doors opened.
Now you can nominate your candidate for Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year 2026. Who do you think deserves to be highlighted?
Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year 2026
The 2025 jury consisted of:
- Hilde Charlotte Solheim (chair), chair of the board of the Science Park NMBU
- Eivind Haalien, Category Manager Local Food and Specialties, NorgesGruppen
- Tor Jacob Solberg, leader of the Norwegian Farmers and Small Farmers Association
- Sigrid Heringstad, chairwoman of the Norwegian Rural Youth Association
- Geir Helge Espedalen, general manager, Dyrsku'n
- Bernt Bucher Johannessen, general manager, HANEN
Testimonials from past winners
"Winning the Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 created ripple effects that we had not quite imagined. One was, of course, that we are being recognized outside our own region, and not least seen outside our own region, but it was also an incredible feeling to know that it was our cheerleaders who made it happen! We have gained a larger network, more potential new customers, and many more open doors than we had before. Thank you very much!"
Yngve Henriksen and Maren Myrvold in Inderøy Mosteri, winners 2023
We are very proud to have won, there is no doubt about it. We received a large portion of motivation, and a lot of it because it is now "someone else" who has recognized us. We are humble and grateful for all the attention this gave us, and have chosen to use it to become even better and develop even more together as Ostebygda. And let it be crystal clear; Attention can be turned into revenue!"
Pål Knutsson Medhus, Ostebygda, winner 2019
"Being named local food entrepreneur of the year has helped take our company a few leaps forward. New agreements have been signed, sales have increased and there has been a lot of publicity. Many people have opened their eyes to Røyland Farm and our focus on utilizing wild berries from the Norwegian forests."
We encourage everyone who knows someone, or works with local food themselves, to participate.
competition. A national award as "Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year" does a lot for small local food producers like us"
Pernille Vea and Gunnar Sagstuen, winners 2018
"This award has been worth its weight in gold. It has helped me spread the story of the hotel, the farm, and what I do to many people."
Olav Lie-Nilsen, winner 2016
For us at Ødhumbla, being named Local Food Entrepreneur of the Year has been of great significance. It has given us increased visibility, opened doors to new collaborations, and strengthened our credibility with both customers and partners.In addition, it has been an important recognition of the work we put in every day – both in the barn and in the further processing of the milk. The award has given us a real boost and motivation to continue our efforts.