Our story

Sampo is Finland's leading match brand, whose story began in 1933. The name comes from the Sampo described in the Kalevala, that miraculous mill that ground flour, salt, and riches.

A painting depicting a city street scene with a vintage steam-powered fire engine spraying water, buildings in the background, and smoke in the sky.

1831

Matches were invented, which could be lit by striking the tip of the stick against any surface. However, there was a risk of accidental ignition, and the flammable tip of the stick contained toxic ingredients.

A black and white portrait of a young man with dark, wavy hair, wearing a dark coat over a light shirt with a collar, standing indoors near a wall.

1844

Swedish professor Gustav Eric Pasch developed a scratch surface on the side of a matchbox.


Black and white portrait of a man with glasses, a beard, and a mustache, wearing a suit and bow tie.

1865

Swedish engineer Alexander Lagerman developed an automatic device for manufacturing matches, and the transition from manual labor to industrial production began. The success story of matches began at a factory in Jönköping.

A vintage matchbox featuring a black background with the word 'SAMPO' in bold red and white letters across the center. The box has Finnish text and illustrations of dragons and decorative elements.

1933

The first “Trustivapaat Sampo-tikut” were manufactured in Jokela, Tuusula.


Black and white photo of women working on a factory assembly line with machinery and conveyor belts.

1972

Swedish company Svenska Tändsticks AB (Swedish Match) became a part-owner of the Sampo brand and the Jokela match factory.

Map of Scandinavia showing Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and surrounding seas with a compass rose.

1981

The manufacture of Finnish matches in Jokela came to an end, and production moved to Sweden.



Two boxes, one large orange and blue with a graphic of a bearded man hammering, and a smaller blue box with the word 'SAMPO' and a lightning bolt graphic.

2018

It had been 85 years since the Sampo brand was registered. With the brand renewal, the products were given a modern, retro-inspired look that respects tradition.

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1942 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1942 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

Photo: Turku Museum Center

Photo: Turku Museum Center

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1933–1934 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1940 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1940 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1972–1979 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1972–1979 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1965–1973 Photo: Helsinki City Museum

1965–1973 Photo: Helsinki City Museum