A love of wines and a constant hunger for learning
“The products, absolutely. And constantly learning new things and discovering new products,” says Norex’s Product Manager Veera Moilanen, when asked what inspires her most at work. “It’s not just about the products, but the stories, qualities and cultures behind them that make the wine industry endlessly fascinating,” she adds. Veera has also learned that you never finish learning in this job – there are always new dimensions to discover in wines and their world.
“It’s rewarding to find products where you can see the potential. That’s when we get to offer customers drinks that complement taste experiences and tell their own story,” she says. Veera’s enthusiasm stems from a passion for the origin and quality of products, and she hopes this is reflected to consumers.
Trends and the future of the wine industry: sustainability and growing consumer awareness
Veera reflects on the development of the wine industry from a future perspective: increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and ethics is already partly visible in the wine world too. “Nowadays, more and more people are interested in where wine comes from, whether it’s organic or has ethical certifications.” She sees this development paving the way towards a more sustainable wine culture, where quality and origin are key.
“Alko’s green choice label and the preference for lighter glass bottles also guide consumers towards more environmentally friendly choices.” Veera hopes that wine culture in Finland would develop in the same way: towards higher quality that emphasizes experience and gives wine a role as part of culinary experiences. “People could get excited about what they’re drinking – quality could rise above quantity.”
The meeting of tradition and technology in the wine industry
Veera also sees the opportunities brought by digitalization and AI development. “AI is already being used to some extent, for example in label design, and it can help with things like product descriptions.” There’s potential for growth. “Using AI for analysis and trend forecasting, for example, can help industry players prepare even better for market changes and consumer demand,” she reflects.
At the same time, however, Veera emphasizes that human relationships remain important in the industry. “The better you know your partners and products, the better you can work with them and meet their needs.”
From passion to success stories: working towards shared goals
Although there is sometimes turbulence and challenges in a product manager’s work, Veera feels that part of the job’s appeal is overcoming these situations together with the team. “It’s certainly a great feeling when you see a new product succeed, or win an Alko listing, for example. But I believe the work is more than just results – there’s also meaningfulness and the experience of succeeding together,” she sums up. “When a partner or colleague says it’s been nice to work with me specifically, that feels especially good,” Veera says with a smile.
