Cosy Afternoon of Flavours

The brand intros were started by Kirsi Pullinen from Demmers Teehaus.

With 15 years in the tea business, she speaks about leaves the way sommeliers talk about wine — passionately, with anecdotes that sweep from lush green tea plantations to the Finnish capital. She reminded us that tea is more than just a drink; it’s a ritual, history, and a bridge between cultures.

We started with a warming welcome: a ginger-apple-lemon infused tea, sweet only from the fruit itself. No sugar, no fuss, just a clean, cosy autumnal hug in a glass. It set the mood perfectly.

And fittingly, Darjeeling — the ‘Queen of Teas,’ grown in northern India near the Nepalese border — also made an appearance, a nod to the refined brews once favoured by Queen Elizabeth herself, including Assam, English Breakfast, and the smoky Lapsang Souchong.

Next up, Ville Witka with his Don Witka olive oils from Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.

He had us cup glasses in our palms to warm the oils, releasing aromas of fresh grass and herbs. The difference between supermarket olive oil and his bottles? Night and day. He explained why freshness matters — olive oil is not like wine, it doesn’t get better with age.

Ville let us taste two single variety oils: one was mild, fruity and silky (Arbequina), the other peppery and bursting with character (Cornicabra). The kind that makes even a slice of bread feel gourmet.

Both everyday cook enthusiasts and HORECA pros can find the practical volume for their end use in Don Witka's oil range - from tasting sizes, through 500 ml bottles and larger lots.

Finally, Minna Pohjola from Pohjolan Tila - joined by her sisters, Päivi and Nina-

introduced us to their world of jams, mustards, and seasonal treats. Their story is one of determination: turning a traditional family farm into a thriving hub for local food and experiences.

The tasting bites blended Pohjolan Tila's produce with Ville’s oils and Kirsi’s teas, proving that collaboration between talented entrepreneurs really is the best seasoning. Together, they created an experience that was richer, more flavorful, and unforgettable — a true celebration of craftsmanship and local flavours.

From blackcurrant mustard to dill oil, olive-dressed pear galette to tea-infused nibbles, to autumnal crumble in a jar and vanilla ice cream with olive oil drizzle - each bite carried both flavour and heart - beyond sampling products I love to have the opportunity to meet the people behind their unique creations and products and seeing how their crafts intertwine.