The First Self-Service Kiosks for Purchasing Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits Have Launched in Helsinki

The first automated self-service kiosks have been introduced in Helsinki, allowing customers to purchase fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits without the involvement of a seller, using a mobile app. This initiative is being implemented as part of the Urban&Local project with funding support from the European Union.

This is reported by AgroReview

How Self-Service Kiosks Work in Finland

The new retail points operate entirely without staff. Customers can place an order through a special mobile application, after which they use their smartphones to open the container doors and take their selected products. One of these kiosks has been set up near the municipal hall in Kallio, Helsinki, and will operate until the end of October.

The assortment includes only local seasonal vegetables and fruits sourced from regional farmers. This ensures that customers receive the freshest produce grown nearby.

Benefits of Local Produce and the Impact of War

“You will get strawberries not when you want them, but only when they are at their best ripeness,” says farmer and board member of the Uudenmaan food cooperative, Olli Revo, who services the kiosk.

According to Olli Revo, recent events, including the war in Ukraine and the economic difficulties faced by Europe, have highlighted the importance of developing local food production. The farmer emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening the country’s food independence.

“It is precisely because of the war that we need to strengthen food self-sufficiency,” noted Olli Revo.