REKO ring Vilhelmina

In the Reko-Ring Vilhelmina project, the aim is to create an arena for direct sales without intermediaries. This will increase profitability for the entrepreneur and make it easier for the consumer to access local products. It is called a ”REKO-ring” and the model originally comes from France, but has been introduced in Finland and has since spread to Sweden. Today, there are about 50 REKO-rings in Sweden and the number is constantly growing.

A REKO-ring operates through a closed Facebook group. Producers and consumers who want to participate apply for membership in a group. Deliveries usually occur every week or every other week, depending on the size of the group. Everyone gathers at delivery and consumers pick up their orders from several producers at the same time. Participation is completely free and for producers, it means free marketing and a time-saving sales channel. REKO-rings are also a good channel for testing new products. Consumers gain access to small-scale and locally produced products, which creates increased interest in local production.

The Reko-Ring Vilhelmina project is carried out by the Vilhelmina district's LRF department in collaboration with the adult education association and producers from Vilhelmina, Åsele, and Dorotea municipalities. The project will offer skills-enhancing and networking initiatives for participating companies. The adult education association will organize needs-based training and web-streamed evening seminars. The project will also contribute to more young people becoming interested in animal husbandry and food production through the network Young and Green.

From the Project Application

”By facilitating contact between private consumers and local producers, direct sales of local products will increase.”