The Food Pilot Plant's and LAB Food team staff has extensive expertise in processing and R&D of food products, especially cereal products and beverages. Our experts are happy to take on all kinds of food-related challenges!
Laboratory team
Nino Valkonen
Laboratory coordinator Nino holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Chemistry. He has experience in quality assurance, processes and product development in the food industry. He has special expertise in the analysis of raw materials, semi-finished products and products. In addition, his strong areas of expertise include various brewing products, such as beer and soft drinks.
nino.valkonen(at)lab.fi
050 567 5767
Katariina Niklander
Laboratory engineer Katariina holds a Master of Food Sciences degree and a Bio and Food Technology Engineer. Katariina has several years of experience in production, product development and research in the food industry and at the University of Helsinki in the research group of Grain Technology. Katariina is particularly proficient in the development of grain and plant protein-based products, test baking and sensory evaluation methods.
katariina.niklander(at)lab.fi
050 911 7529
Jarkko Nikulin
Product Manager Jarkko is a Master of Science in Bioprocess Technology who has built a research career in beer at VTT's Brewing Laboratory. Jarkko has strong expertise in, among other things, domestic wild yeasts, beer fermentations and non-alcoholic beers. In addition to selling Food Pilot Plant services, Jarkko is responsible for development projects for beers, soft drinks and distillates.
jarkko.nikulin(at)lab.fi
050 598 7570
Saara Sammalisto
Researcher Saara is a Doctor of Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki. Grain Technologist Saara has investigated the quality factors of 100% oat baking, hydrocolloids, and the optimization of the oat milling process. Oats are Saara's core competence, but she has also worked with other grains. Saara is responsible for the development and research of oat and bakery products, as well as projects related to the Texture Analyser.
saara.sammalisto(at)lab.fi
050 520 4910
Soila Saavala (on parental leave)
Laboratory Coordinator Soila is a Master of Science in Bio and Food Technology with experience in product development and quality management in the food industry. Soila also manages the production of liquid products from soft drinks to oat drinks and dessert sauces. Soila is responsible for the development projects of oat drinks.
soila.saavala(at)lab.fi
050 598 1084
Other LAB Food team
Sami Luste
Development Manager Sami has a PhD in environmental sciences and experience in biocircular economy research, RDI, regional development and business cooperation. Sami is responsible for the LAB Food entity.
sami.luste(at)lab.fi
044 708 5008
Pasi Raja
RDI specialist Pasi has a couple of decades of work experience in the food industry. In addition to his solid work experience, Pasi holds the degrees of Food Technician, Master of Food Sciences and Master Brewer. Pasi's expertise focuses particularly on food processes and product development.
pasi.raja(at)lab.fi
050 560 5003
Katja Pethman
Katja, an RDI specialist, is a versatile expert in the food system. Her long work experience in organizations and government positions has brought her experience in food exports, communications, and various projects promoting food chain operations, sustainable development, and well-being. Katja holds a Master's degree in Food Sciences with a major in Nutrition. Katja is most often responsible for projects related to food exports and regional development.
katja.pethman(at)lab.fi
050 401 8091
Antti Knaapila
Senior lecturer Antti has a PhD in Food Sciences and is a docent in sensory research. She is a researcher by background, whose research topics have included sensing, the sensory quality of foods, and consumer attitudes, preferences, and choices. Antti is responsible for the curriculum of the Biomaterials and Food Technology engineering program, teaches and participates in project work.
antti.knaapila(at)lab.fi
050 571 7242
Tuula Penate Medina
Tuula has an international research career as a biochemist, and her expertise is lipids. Tuula works as a lecturer in the LAB Biomaterials and Food Technology program and also works actively in the Food Pilot Plant. Tuula is, among other things, involved in building a European network of vegetarian food developers and is responsible for student exchange in the program.
tuula.penate.medina(at)lab.fi
050 441 3234
Location