In 2006 the export of machines for the food industry reached DKK 4.6 billion. In a small country such as Denmark, companies have to compete on quality rather than quantity.

And the Danish food industry has a strong position in the international competition. Over the last ten years the export of mechanical equipment for the food industry has increased by DKK 1.7 billion corresponding to 57 per cent. From 2005-2006 the growth was DKK 386 million, writes FoodCulture.

- It is obvious that Denmark cannot compete on wages; however, we can compete on knowledge; a unique knowledge, which can be utilized in the development of high quality machines and equipment. And quality is always in demand – in 2006 the export increased on several local markets as for example Great Britain and Norway, by over 30 per cent, says economic consultant Finn Christensen at Landbrugsraadet. 

- In Denmark we have unique and dynamic interaction between the farming community, the food producers, the agro-industrial sector and the knowledge and educational institutions. Historically, we have a tradition of developing knowledge transversely within the food sector. This generates a unique shared knowledge that cannot be copied by other countries because it is bound geographically to Denmark, explains Finn Christensen.