On April 4th, 2018 the ambassador of France in Finland, Mr. Serge Tomasi, presented Master of Wine Essi Avellan with the insignia of Knight in the National Order of Agricultural Merit (Chevalier l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole).
The Agricultural Merit was established in France in 1883 by the famous Minister of Agriculture Jules Méline. It is an order bestowed by the French Republic rewarding those persons – both French and foreigners – who have made noteworthy contributions to French agriculture. Essi Avellan is now one of the 30 holders of the title in Finland.
Mr Tomasi named Essi Avellan as a representative of excellence in gastronomy in Finland, celebrating this fundamental sector of French heritage, a sector that is often the pride of the country abroad. In recognition of her qualities and commitment, the Minister of Agriculture decided, by order of September 25, 2017, to make her a Knight in the Order of Agricultural Merit.