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Mummon – It all began with pleasure

Potato flakes and instant mashed potato powders have been a bigger and more revolutionary thing in a developing society than many remember or know. In the 1950s a Finn ate on average 150 kg of potatoes a year. That meant quite the potato theatre for every day of the year. There was a demand for a helper to make everyday life easier.

Read Mummon’s story

Interested in Ilona-mummo’s story? Read Ilta-Sanomat’s article for more.

In the early 1960s, Pohjolan Peruna launched Mielihyvä potato flakes on the market. The idea of potato flakes, which had come to Finland from abroad, was big news. The versatile potato flakes made consumers' everyday lives easier, as potatoes no longer needed to be washed and peeled. The product was marketed to mothers who may have had several children but did not yet have a mechanized kitchen or even running water. Men did not do much housework at that time.

However, times were changing. In the mid-1960s, Pohjolan Peruna commissioned a TV advertising campaign starring the hugely popular actor Matti Ranin. The ads showed how easy it was for fathers to prepare meals for the whole family.

In the 1970s, Pohjolan Peruna expanded its factory and launched Sadonkorjuu potato mash powder alongside its potato flakes. This new product offered consumers a quick and easy way to make delicious mashed potatoes. Pohjolan Peruna's mashed potato mixes were made from whole potatoes and were easy to prepare, transport, and store, just as they are today.

The first Mummon brand mashed potato powder appeared on store shelves in the early 1980s.

In 1985, the cheerful and charming Ilona Mäkinen became the face of Mummon muusi packaging. Although Ilona has since passed away, her gentle smile can still be found on Mummon muusi packaging. Over the years and decades, Mummon muusi has become a concept – almost synonymous with good mashed potatoes. The character of Mummo on the mashed potato packaging was the start of a well-known and established brand.

The ever-young Mummon is very versatile.

Mummo's mashed potatoes are still a favorite among Finns. Mummo's French fries are the best-selling frozen French fries in the country year after year. The Mummo brand offers a wide range of dry goods, frozen potatoes, and ready-made meals. Mummo even has a tasty beer – made from potatoes, of course.