This post is an informative journalistic coverage of a PR event with editorial & reportage elements that do not aim to promote any business, organisation, product or service.
Today - on the day of publication- I am a member of Ruokatoimittajat ry (Finnish Food Writers' Association), and attended this PR event as a food writer (not as an influencer).
27 May 2025 - Fiskars village
The sun showed up on time, and so did Finland’s top food writers and influencers—armed with appetites, notebooks, and camera rolls itching for action. A full bus departed central Helsinki, heading toward the scenic Fiskars Village, where Gustus PR 2025 promised a vibrant day filled with flavours and fresh perspectives.
Onboard the bus, we had the usual breakfast bites that never disappoint. This year we indulged into:
- Froosh - Immunity Smoothie
- Reissumies - Meetwursti sandwich
- Lapin Liha - Dried & smoked reindeer chips
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
We arrived to a sparkling welcome - quite literally - with a fizzy novelty drink that kicked off the festivities. After a warm opening by Kaisa Nieminen and Seija Killström, glasses clinked and the doors swung open to a day of delicious discoveries.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Exhibitors lined the venue, each table more tempting than the next. New launches, bold remakes of beloved classics, and plenty of taste-testing. We chatted, chewed, and scribbled notes about what’s hot, what’s coming, and what’s going straight on your next shopping list.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Friidu
Friidu brought pure joy in a cone. Their Sweet Liquorice ice cream, crafted with Kouvolan Lakritsi, tasted like Nordic summer wrapped in velvet. Served in a crispy cone and plated like fine dining paired with tangy sea buckthorn, it was dessert theatre at its best. I wasn’t expecting liquorice to feel this elegant, but they pulled it off - bold and smooth!
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Kulta Katriina
Coffee lovers were in for a treat. Kulta Katriina introduced two new blends made with 100% responsibly certified coffee: Vivahteikas Vaalea and Täyteläinen Tumma. Both offered a fresh twist - one bright and layered, the other deep and rich. Their stand was a vibrant reminder: coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a mood.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Maku Liha
The Makukeittiön product family always makes me look twice. Their new, plant-based roasted chicken-style cold cut and already popular zuusto-flavoured veggie sausage nailed the texture and flavour game. These products can even win the heart of passionate meat lovers (like me) who want the occasional comfort of meatiness with a greener conscience.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Lapin Liha
Lapin Liha took me on a rugged journey to the North once again. Their new smoked reindeer soup was a highlight - deep, savoury with and deliciously creamy texture. The dried reindeer chips on the bus ride felt like a snack with a story, and the canned reindeer and red deer meats are nothing but ideal for wild-at-heart foodies.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Nordqvist
A whiff of summer drifted over from Nordqvist’s summery stall. Their new strawberry-rhubarb tea worked beautifully hot or cold, refreshing and nostalgic all at once. It felt like something straight from the Midsummer buffet table of a trendy Nordic café. I loved how a single sip of the tea with the DIY fruit infusing option at today's event could taste like Finnish summer.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Clas Ohlson
The Clas Ohlson display was pure summer vibes - picnic gear, garden party tools, cool lamps and drinkware that begged to be part of your next terrace hangout. Everything was stylish and practical, which isn’t always a given. Instead of an expo stall, stepping into this charming setup felt more like hanging out into your dream backyard (or balcony) where summer feels easy.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomat
Laitilan Skumppa Chardonnay, with its crisp 8% buzz, offered a bubbly break from the all-day-round tastings. Dry, balanced, and practically enclosed in a can, it was adult refreshment without fuss. One sip of Italy with a Finnish twist, and I already envisioned myself at a summer BBQ in the family mökki.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Casa Gusto
The Casa Gusto stall was an Italian feast in five bites. Their charcuterie and cheese were classic showstoppers, but their new strawberry-flavoured ladyfingers caught everyone’s attention. Sweet, light, and perfect for a Midsummer twist on tiramisu. Add in their bold coffee and you’ve got the makings of a dolce vita moment.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Fazer
Fazer had us crafting wearable flower ornaments and snacking on wholegrain. Their booth felt like a summer festival - carefree and wholesome. Blueberry pie-flavoured granola, classic Jälkiuuni rye bread, and the brand's conscious products that let health meet flavour. The small tasting bites created by Chef Teemu Laurell made it look effortless to meet our 90g of whole grain intake goal each day.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Munkkimiehet Oy
Munkkimiehet brought a rotating pastry-showstopper of nostalgia to the table with various treats - which made me realise: they surely know that big things come in sweet bites. That snowball-like sweet yeast dough treat on the display is their novelty, yet to be available. It was airy, fluffy, and still waiting for its final name. It felt like being let in on a delicious secret quest before the rest of Finland finds out.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Kotivara Oy
This family business served up intensity in every crumb. Kotivara's new Napolin Salamirouhe and Kylmäsavustettu Härkärouhe toppings pack serious flavour, ideal for soups, salads, burgers or pizzas that need a punch. Thanks to the intense characteristics, you only need to use a little bit for a flavour-explosion. The cheddar salami also stood out: rich, flavourful, and ready to steal your sandwich spotlight. I left wanting to stock up on these novelties until the next garden party or pizza night.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Bioska
Not the usual kind of foodie stand, but essential. Bioska made waste smart, offering compostable bags that actually break down fast after doing their job. They even supply sustainable solutions for retail, dog waste and their materials are used in products like menstrual pads to make them more sustainable. The future is in the bin - and that’s a good thing.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Textil kompani
I often feel "there are never enough the ceramics". Especially the ones lined with a delicate golden touch, quietly waiting for their final dishwasher test before they graduate to daily use. These weren’t just pretty - they were pieces of intent. Just like the rest of Textil Kompani's thoughtfully selected product range with functional design. I could already see them on my prop shelf.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Biolan Oy
Biolan products are not only for the green thumbs. Their self-watering planters and mini-greenhouses had everyone daydreaming about their own little Eden, be it on a balcony or backyard. Week-long hydration for plants? Yes, please. It's pure innovation rooted in practicality, suitable for organic systems - just how good gardening should be.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Ritan Herkku Oy
Dessert lovers posting under the #cakeforbreakfast hashtag, this is your dream destination. Riitan Herkku's range of cakes are on a mission to make your events memorable - both at home and beyond. It was the new chocolate-orange cake that stole the spotlight today. Rrich, aromatic, and smartly gives the flexibility to HORECA clients to add their final touches.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
NAMS/Agrifutura Tomaatit Oy
Forget wine snobs and meet the tommelier (tomato-sommeler). NAMS launched this brilliant idea to teach us how to use different tomato varieties, not just toss everything in a salad. Their display was juicy, smart, and hands-on - providing the opportunity to compare the taste their Roterno, Piccolo and Starlor tomatoes. This is what I call flavour-forward education we didn’t know we needed.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Saimaan Tuore
Every time I put one of their products to my basket, I remember how Saimaan Tuore delivers freshness, fast. From clean Saimaa lake water filled pools to package in an hour? That’s not just efficiency, that’s a commendable effort for sustainable food production. Their rainbow trout mince snack idea was brilliant: potato chips, cheese, capers all came together in the air fryer. Such a perfect snack for our next movie night!
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
KyrÖ Distillery
Kyrö Distillery made sure we didn’t leave thirsty. In addition to their well-known whiskey selection, their new Napue Gin & Tonic was refreshing with just enough edge to raise eyebrows (in a good way). I loved its subtle bitterness balanced with distinct herbal notes. I'm sure it will become one's coolest friend when enjoying some sauna time in good company.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Brändiboxi
The recent edition of Brändiboxi is packed with a creatively tailored selection of fresh picks and flavour-bombs. Always fun to explore, and the perfect way to discover brands you didn’t even know you needed. Their curation feels personal and well-thought. It’s like opening a gift and realising it fits your taste exactly.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Beverage Partners Finland Oy
BPF proved once again that summer drinks can be both refreshing and refined. Their crisp novelty, the Alianca Vinho Verde is light on the palate with that signature zing at breezy evenings. And as always, their Le Roi Soleil Rosé earned its spot in the sunshine - it’s practically mediterranean summer in a bottle.
Photos by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Norron
Sharing the Kala Grilli stall united by great domestic fish products, Pielisen Kalajaloste & Norron brought different things to the table. Norron's kalamakkaraperunat was a creative twist on the Finnish classic, featuring their versatile fish sausages. Perfect proof that everyday products can become crowd-pleasers with a little imagination.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Putaan Pulla
Putaan Pulla’s new Kantti potato dough might look humble, but it’s a game-changer that you can find at the frozen section of your local retail store. Think of it as the canvas for your most ambitious sandwich ideas. My personal highlight? A sandwich cone - yes, a cone! Can’t wait to serve it at our next garden bash.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Baba Foods & Vaasan Oy
Baba Foods joined forces with Vaasan, and served their creamy Green Hummus on Vaasan 100% Kaura bread, and the vibrant pink Beetroot Hummus on Vaasan Ruispalat. Classic combos that feels new every time and fills your day up with colour up to the brim. I can visualise so many artistic ways my afternoon snack could look like if these great ingredients are its foundation!
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
F.K. Trube Oy
Trube is in full summer mode since last month with their limited-edition goodies like the Kesäboston, Kesäpitko, and Kesäpulla - available until the end of August. But my sweet tooth fell head over heels for the Chocolate-Orange Cake, a perfect balance of rich chocolate and zesty orange that melts in your mouth.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Kaskein Marja
Kaskein Marja’s stall looked like a romantic garden party reception table and their novelty, called Floréa added just the right fizz. The fantastic entrepreneurs behind the brand shared, that today way the official launch of the product and how everything came together to turn their idea into this beautiful bottle. This sparkling drink with Finnish raspberries is the event’s official welcome sip - and I say: what an entrance!
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Lingnell & Piispanen
Lingnell & Piispanen brought both all-time-favourites and novelties. The new Kouvolan Lakritsi Shot - which I recently covered at the dedicated PR launch - is bold and playful. For something lighter, the Pople Summer Sour Pineapple stole hearts with its tropical vibes. And their Lingoncello? Still one of my favourites for memorable toasts under the midnight sun.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Fiskars & Fiskars Village
At the Fiskars stand, I felt like I had stepped into a modern Nordic kitchen dream. The new Folken series has cast iron range looked ready to outlive us all, while the novelty maple wood knives and utensils felt smooth and warm in hand. Functional beauty at its best. Spending this beautiful day at Fiskars Village reminded me why slow living isn’t just a trend - it’s a philosophy.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Veitsitehdas
Brukett's artisan beverage production bottled a rebellious charm into their innovative range of novelties that’s both quirky and quality-led. I tasted the tart-sweet Ägräs Raspberry Long Drink, a refreshing kiss of real berries. Then came the Paranoid Vichy drinks - one greener, one stronger, both impossible to ignore. And just when I thought I’d tasted it all, the nostalgic Pojo Apple Lemonade took me straight to summer picnics.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Original Story
The soft palette, the tactile fabrics, the cut that fits without fuss - Original Story’s latest line felt like a whispered promise: dressing up doesn’t have to mean dressing loud. Each piece seemed made for each other, and for you. I already imagined their quality pieces coming with me to shoots, markets, and Sunday brunch.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Södergård
Södergård brought a wild and wonderful mix of earthy flavours to the event. I tried their sauerkraut bread, nettle bread, a soft vanilla-nettle pastry, and the kind of cinnamon bun that makes you pause mid-bite. But it was their ice creams that stole the show - dandelion and pine shot. Both tasted like a deep inhale in a Finnish forest: floral, fresh, and unexpectedly addictive. Everything they served felt handcrafted with heart and rooted in nature - as it should be.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Peugeot
I’m anything but a car expert, but when I saw the Peugeot E-3008, I had to linger. Sleek in form, silent in motion, and far from flashy - it looks and feels like the kind of electric ride that doesn’t scream for attention, but earns it with functionality and great design - I mean, look at that iCockpit...!
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Pielisen Kalajaloste
Pielisen Kalajaloste served smoked vendace a'la Caesar salad and Luonnonkala on crispy rye. Their Kaurakala is a complete meal in a can with a rye bread addition! I’ve been enjoying their delicacies often in the past two years, so it felt like meeting an old friend who always makes my breakfast better.
Between bites, we paused for expert presentations offering sharp insights into food trends, consumer behaviour, and the season ahead. The lunch buffet grounded us with hearty, thoughtful dishes that mirrored the day’s theme: quality with a side of creativity.
Build-your own salad buffet by Picnic:
- Salad base: mixed salad, cabbage, carrot, cucumber
- Carbs: herb marinated potato, Thai noodle
- Meat, egg: chicken fillet slices, Asian BBQ chicken, free-range eggs
- Plant proteins: tofuskagen, marinated falafel
- Vegetables: Picnic grated salad, soybean-corn, pickled red onion
- Garnish: cashew, bread crisps with seeds, coutons
- Sauces: Picnic caesar sauce, Picnic citrus-vinaigrette, Picnic, mango-chili vinaigrette, Picnic baked potato sauce
Refreshers:
- Fiskarsin Panimo - Villi & Vapaa: alcohol free rasbperry sour ale
- Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas - Mehuvichy: pineapple-peach, pomengranade-raspberry
- Brukett - Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio
- Coffee by Kulta Katriina and Segafredo
- Tea by Nordqvist
- Valio products
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Before heading home, a raffle kept the spirits high and smiles wide - and even though my name was not drawn out this year, it was fun to witness the lucky winners' surprise and joy. As the bus pulled away, we waved goodbye to our hosts, our laps filled with individual PR samples from the exhibitors and sponsors. The clinking items and rustling wrappers scored our ride back - a perfect reminder of every bite, booth, and brilliant moment.
I had the pleasure of attending this PR event two years in a row, and it's truly getting better and better.
You can see more insights and photos on my Instagram.
Thank you so much to the organisers, Kaisa Nieminen and Seija Killström, for inviting me to this event. I also appreciate the opportunity to meet and learn directly from the exhibitors who presented their products at the event today. Big thanks to the sponsors & other brand partners who haven't been featured yet to help the organisers turn this day into a great experience for all participants (IKEA, Realfood, Santa Maria, Foodin, Orthex, Järvikylä, Arabia, Sees, Ventoniemi, Pomar).
DISCLOSURE
The organiser has not set any special criteria and has not initiated any financial/alternative compensation that would require the creation of any written or visual content related to this PR event nor the promotion of any products/services in exchange for attendance - but I decided to share my experience anyway as I think you'd enjoy exclusive insights from my recent gastro adventure. Any PR products/samples/food, drink/services/raffle prizes handed out by the organisers, other participants or exhibitors (if applicable) were not a form of compensation, nor part of an exchange agreement.
❗️Remember to drink responsibly, and that you must be over the minimum legal drinking age of your country. ❗️
