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Published: 01 October 2025
Text: Anne-Marie Korseberg Stokke
Photo: Anne-Marie Korseberg Stokke
“Want to taste? These are dates rolled in…”
In the brand-new test kitchen at Oslo Science Park, Marketing Director Steinar Helgesen and Product Developer Sven Nelvik are offering samples of products still in the experimental stage. The flavour combinations may not be obvious, but it’s safe to say the humble date is being taken to new heights! The company started with dried mango production but now offers a wide range of both pure, flavored, and chocolate-coated dried fruit.
“We say we have a ‘passion for products.’ We experiment with flavours and textures, but without adding lots of sugar or artificial ingredients. For us, it’s about creating a good alternative to traditional candy,” says Nelvik.
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Dellia is a Norwegian company but has rapidly expanded abroad. Its main markets are currently Norway and Sweden, but the company has also established offices in Shanghai and has local country managers in several markets.
“We entered Sweden in 2022, and we’re already nominated for ‘Grocery Product of the Year’ there. Just our mango alone sold for over NOK 70 million in one year in Sweden,” Helgesen explains.
In an industry where many companies source fruit from random suppliers, Dellia chose a different strategy: to build a close and long-term relationship with a single producer in Cambodia.
“We buy about 12% of all mango produced in Cambodia. We’ve invested in the local production facility and helped nearby farmers secure better prices. That has had ripple effects — new schools and improved infrastructure locally,” says Helgesen.
This close control not only creates a social impact but also ensures a consistently high-quality product. With an extreme focus on detail, Dellia even makes sure every bag of mango includes one extra-large slice.
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Dellia was recently listed on the stock exchange and saw its value rise significantly on the first day. In connection with the listing, the company raised around NOK 100 million in new equity, with Petter Stordalen’s company Strawberry Capital as one of two cornerstone investors.
“The completion of this financing marks an important milestone for Dellia. We have strong growth rates, a robust supply chain, and solid relationships with our retail partners. Now we’re taking the next step, with ambitions to strengthen our position in the Nordics and continue expanding in Europe,” said CEO and co-founder Jan Storli Eriksen in an interview with Finansavisen regarding the listing.
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The experienced technology leader Solveig Ellila Kristiansen has established herself in Oslo Science Park with the consultancy Hockeystick Impact and the startup AI Data Defense. They have developed a security filter for companies that enables the use of artificial intelligence without leaking sensitive information or violating regulations.
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On Wednesday, June 11, Norway's best student company was awarded in the Research Park, when the Norwegian Championship for Student Companies 2025 took place under the auspices of Youth Entrepreneurship (YE). The competition brought together the country's most innovative student teams for an energetic final day filled with pitching, engagement, and entrepreneurial joy. This year's winner was Jeta SB from the University of South-East Norway, who will now represent Norway in the European Championship in Greece later this summer.
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