Björn Skúlason and Sirje Karis Visit TFTAK to Discuss Food, Health and Innovation

On 19 August, TFTAK welcomed Björn Skúlason, spouse of the President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, and Sirje Karis, spouse of the President of Estonia Alar Karis, as part of the Icelandic President’s state visit to Estonia during the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Estonia’s independence.

They were accompanied by Gísli Jensson, spouse of the Ambassador of Iceland to Estonia, Arna L. Þorgeirsdóttir, Deputy to the Ambassador and Trade and Cultural Representative, as well as representatives of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President.

At TFTAK, the guests were welcomed by our CEO Martin Lall, Innovation Director Merli Üle and R&D Director, Food Science Sirli Rosenvald.

Food, health and responsible choices

The visit focused on biotechnology and food innovation that can support healthier diets and more resilient food systems. The discussion developed into a lively exchange, reflecting Björn Skúlason’s and Sirje Karis’s knowledge of and genuine interest in food, nutrition and health.

Our team introduced TFTAK’s current work and invited the guests to taste several products developed by our researchers. These included a salmon-style fillet made from pea protein, mycoprotein patties, and Fibes smoothies made with apple pomace, a side stream from juice production. The guests enjoyed the products and were curious to learn more about their ingredients, nutritional properties and the technologies behind them.

Björn Skúlason noted that he was pleased the programme included topics close to his own interests. Healthy eating and food science are important to him, and he expressed his hope that TFTAK would continue successfully developing solutions in this field.

One idea that stayed with us was the importance of everyday choices. The food available around us influences what we eat, while we also make choices about what we consume and how we live. Food science can help make choices that are good for both our health and the environment easier.

A special connection with Iceland

Iceland has a special place in Estonia’s history as the first country to recognise the restored independence of the Republic of Estonia on 22 August 1991.

TFTAK has its own connection with Iceland. Since 2016, we have worked with Icelandic dairy technologist Pétur Pétursson on the development of Jökla, the first Icelandic cream liqueur made from local milk. TFTAK helped address technological challenges related to its long-term stability while preserving its creamy sensory profile. This connection came as a pleasant surprise to Björn Skúlason.

The visit concluded with a tour of our laboratories led by Sirli Rosenvald, where the conversation continued around food research, product development and the technologies used at TFTAK.

We sincerely thank Björn Skúlason, Sirje Karis and the accompanying delegation for their visit, thoughtful questions and genuine interest in our work. We greatly appreciated the opportunity for an open and meaningful exchange on food, health and responsible choices.

Photo: Aron Urb / Ministry of Foreign Affairs