Finland
Hesburger
Known for: Burgers and fast-food meals with a Finnish twist, including unique sauces and local ingredients. Hesburger is a popular choice in the Baltics for its consistent quality and taste.
Available in: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Poland
Employees: ~8,000
Fazer
Known For: A Finnish favorite, especially known for its "Fazer Blue" milk chocolate. Strong on plant-based innovations and Nordic quality.
Employees: Around 6,000 globally
Farming & Ethics: Fazer uses certified sustainable cocoa via the Cocoa Horizons and Rainforest Alliance programs, supporting traceable supply chains and improved farmer livelihoods. It’s committed to eliminating child labor and promotes transparency in sourcing.
Karhu
Known for: Finnish performance and heritage running shoes, especially known for their Fulcrum technology.
Employees: Small team (exact count not public, under 100 estimated)
Manufacturing: Designed in Finland, manufactured in Asia.
Sustainability: Limited public data; emphasizes long-lasting design and quality as part of its sustainable values.
Polar Electro
Known for: Pioneering heart rate monitoring technology and producing multisport smartwatches tailored for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Employees: Approximately 1,200
Manufactured in: Mainly China and Malaysia
polar.com
Sanna Marin
Former Role: Prime Minister of Finland (2019–2023)
Known for: As one of Europe’s youngest prime ministers, Sanna Marin played a key role in securing Finland’s accession to NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and became a prominent advocate for democratic values, gender equality, and green transition. Marin redefined modern leadership with clarity, conviction, and global credibility well beyond her years.