Stolte Anton: An old-fashioned and sustainable taste of Norway

The Nordics are rich in small food businesses that work with local, sustainable ingredients and traditional production methods. Some, like Stolte Anton, have been around for generations.

Located in Eidsdal, along the winding west coast of Norway, Stolte Anton began in the 1920s on the family farm of Anton Nydal. His focus was orchard fruits, vegetables and berries. Re-established by two of his grandchildren in 2018, the company was taken over by Kirsti Indreeide in 2022. Production and sales are now handled directly on Indreeide’s property, where customers can buy jams, jellies, chutneys, canned plums and pears, all made using local materials that follow traditional recipes.

Kirsti Indreeide, the owner of Stolte Anton.

Indreeide, who grew up in the area and has been interested in farm history and food culture for many years, feels Stolte Anton’s products are typically Norwegian. “We use fruits and berries that can be grown in our climate. The recipes incorporate classic Norwegian preservation methods that give you an ‘old-fashioned’ taste,” she says. “We have a large product range: blackcurrants, raspberries, gooseberries, rowanberries, rhubarb, apples and pears. In addition, we make chutney from locally-produced onions, beetroot, garlic and plums.”

Indreeide believes that one of Stolte Anton’s main strengths is its variety. “We have products that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and with a range of meals. The jams, jellies, and chutneys go deliciously with bread or biscuits. They also complement a cheese platter or work well as a condiment with a stew, for example. Throughout the autumn, we make spiced products that highlight Christmas flavours for the holidays.”

Eidsdal, Norway, The Home of Stolte Anton.

Indreeide’s favourite product is the currant jelly: “Currants fascinate me. They always produce a good crop and go well with breakfast as a jelly, juice or for dinner with well-seasoned meat and strong cheese or cured meats.” Stolte Anton is renowned for its blackcurrant jam, which is popular all year round.

Besides at its farm shop, Stolte Anton’s goods are available in local grocery shops and farm outlets around Norway, as well as in local restaurants and as company gift packages. “Stolte Anton is a small company, so the Nordic market is currently large enough for us,” Indreeide says. “However, I think our products could fit well in a number of specialist shops abroad, for example at KaDeWe in Berlin, where they also promote Norwegian fish, cheeses and other specialties.” For a true taste of Norway, Stolte Anton’s delectable preserves provide just that.

Left: Stolte Anton’s Plum Chutney. Right: Stolte Anton’s Jams, Jellies, and Preserves.

Web: www.stolteanton.no
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Facebook: Stolte ANTON As