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).
26 May 2026 - Fiskars village
Every year, Gustus feels a little like stepping into a food lover's treasure hunt in the heart of Fiskars Village. At each stall waits a new flavour, a familiar favourite, an unexpected brand, or a novelty you didn't know existed ten minutes earlier but suddenly find yourself planning to take home before the day is over.
The morning started on the familiar bus ride from Helsinki. This year, however, the first meal of the day was waiting for us in Fiskars with selected breakfast favourites from participating brands - breads, salads, sandwich toppings, spreads and plenty of coffee, tea and smoothies - lined up to provide a pleasant start before the official programme began.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
After picking up their plates, guests gathered for the official welcome and opening toast with the organisers, Kaisa Nieminen and Seija Killström, before dispersing across the event area. The atmosphere was lively from the very beginning. Familiar faces reconnected, first-time visitors mapped out their tasting strategy, and exhibitors prepared for a busy day of conversations, sampling, and product launches.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
One of the strengths of Gustus is its variety. Within a few steps, you can move from artisan food producers to beverage brands, speciality ingredients, practical kitchen innovations, and seasonal novelties designed for summer entertaining.
This year's exhibitors included:
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Fiskars
Fiskars offered a first look at their upcoming Functional Form baking range, arriving later this year. Designed for everyday bakers rather than professional pastry chefs, the collection focuses on making baking feel a little more approachable and a lot less complicated.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Lohilo, Virapuda
LOHILO brought its familiar range of protein-rich ice creams, bars and treats, but the product that caught my eye was the Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix. Perfect for those mornings when you want something a little more indulgent without committing to a full baking project.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Fiskarsin Painimo, Brukett Oy
Just a short walk from the main event hall to their cool tasting mini bus, Fiskarsin Panimo poured the taste of summer into our glasses. Among the highlights were the cherry-forward Cerice Sour Ale and the refreshing Ruukin Raikas Radler, both well-suited to be enjoyed under the midnight sun.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Freixenet, Hartwall
Freixenet arrived with a zesty novelty that immediately sparked seasonal cocktail ideas. The new Solare Aperitivo combines citrus and herbal notes and was presented as part of a spritz, making it easy to visualise ourselves at the next garden party.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Putaan Pulla oy
The Oulu-based family bakery showcased its new RiesKiss seed flatbread range, recently familiar to many viewers from Finnish television. Alongside tastings, we could create our own seasoning blend to take home, adding a fun hands-on element to their stand.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Fine Foods
Fine Foods took us on a trip around the globe with flavours inspired by Southeast Asia. Their new Spice Up! Laksa Paste transformed a bowl of noodles into something far more interesting, bringing the aromatic Malaysian-Singaporean classic within easy reach of a weeknight meal prep.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Ehrmann Nordic Oy
Ehrmann's new Matcha Latte pudding proved difficult to walk past without stopping. Combining the earthy notes of matcha with the familiar creaminess of a dessert, it felt like a playful crossover between modern café culture and snack-time convenience.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Svantes Godis
Svante Colérus continues to handcraft his confectionery in Espoo, and while their salmiakki attracted plenty of attention from local gourmands, my personal favourite remained Hallon Guld, a raspberry sweet that balances fruitiness and nostalgia remarkably well.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Rändöm Sauna Fresh, Smile Company Oy
One of the more unusual creative concepts of the day came from Rändöm Sauna Fresh. Built around the idea of post-sauna refreshment, this novelty drink combines hydration, wellbeing and a distinctly Finnish sense of summer relaxation.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Makutila Oy
Makutila showcased two plant-based products that sparked plenty of conversation. Their new Tomato-Wozzarella vegetable sausage brought Mediterranean-inspired flavours to the table, while the Roasted Chicken-style cold cut demonstrated just how creative the plant-based category has become.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Reformi & Oriola
Reformi brought flavour-building shortcuts for home cooks. The new Organic Thai Style stock cube delivered a welcome burst of Southeast Asian inspiration and felt like the sort of ingredient that can quietly transform an ordinary weekday dinner into a culinary journey.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
BrändiBoxi by BraNd Buddy
BrändiBoxi offered a preview of their upcoming summer box, launching immediately after the event. Among the many products included, the Dronningholm Strawberry & Vanilla jam quickly found its way onto the list of my personal favourites.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Biolan Oy
Biolan reminded visitors that every meal begins long before the kitchen. Their new Soil Improvement Biochar focused on healthier growing conditions, water retention and soil wellbeing, connecting food directly back to the garden.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Kåska
Kåska continued expanding their alcohol-free range with the new White Spritz. Elderflower and peach created a light, summery profile that fitted naturally alongside the brand's growing collection of ready-to-drink spritzes.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Pielisen Kala & Rautavaaran Leipomo
This collaboration felt distinctly Finnish. Pielisen Kala's new Muikku & Olive Oil preserve was served on Rautavaaran Leipomo's oat bread, while traditional sultsina pastries topped with Smoked Vendace added another layer of regional food culture to the experience.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
NAMs, Agrifutura Tomaatit Oy
Tomatoes rarely need a dramatic introduction when they taste good. NAMS' tommeliers brought sustainably grown tomatoes from Pori, including the Roterno and colourful cherry varieties. A reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients deserve just as much attention as the most complex recipes.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Nordqvist Oy
Known to many Finns for their tea classics, Nordqvist arrived with something made for warmer weather. After the success of their summer novelties last year, they launched new sparkling iced teas in a ready-to-drink format. Both the Strawberry & Rhubarb and Peach & Passion Fruit flavours felt tailor-made for summer picnics and terrace season.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Nutribullet, Suomen Sähkötuonti Oy
Nutribullet's stand attracted plenty of curious visitors eager to see the latest additions to the range. The new Chill ice cream maker was particularly timely for summer, while the Portable Flex blender showed how much blending technology has shrunk without losing convenience.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
KaskeiN Marja Oy
Kaskein Marja surprised us with both everyday and occasion-ready refreshments. Their new Functional Shots offer a concentrated blend of juices and carefully chosen ingredients, while the Floréa sparkling drinks invite us to celebrate the upcoming season.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Hyvä Apaja, PNM Chipsters
Åland-based Hyvä Apaja arrived with seafood favourites and summer novelties, including the new Sulatejuusto ("processed cheese") Rainbow Trout Balls. Their range offered plenty of ideas for easy meals, entertaining and bringing more fish into everyday cooking.
Photos by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
De Cecco, PNM Chipsters
Pasta may be one of the simplest foods in the world, yet every foodie has strong opinions about it. De Cecco introduced new pasta products alongside the protein pasta range, offering us a chance to get inspired by their wide selection for everyday meals.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Beverage Partner Finland Oy
Summer drinks naturally had a place at Gustus. Beverage Partners Finland poured a versatile selection of seasonal beverages, with the Mayu Rosé standing out as a fresh and easy companion for warmer days ahead.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Baba Foods & Vaasan Oy
Baba Foods and Vaasan showcased their collaborative Hummis range, created as a perfect match for Vaasan breads. We had the chance to taste the Lemon & Mild Jalapeño on 100% Kaura and the Roasted Onion on Vaasan Ruispalat. Such an easy way to add more legumes to everyday meals. We were also invited to vote on potential future additions to the Hummis range.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
KIKO
One of the more unusual discoveries at Gustus was KIKO's konjac-based sushi base alternative. Instead of traditional rice, they use konjac: a fibre-rich root vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. The result is a ready-to-use sushi base alternative that is virtually carb-free and very low in calories, offering a different approach to a familiar favourite. It was certainly one of the products that people widely discussed.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
F. K. Trube Oy
The Kuopio bakery turned tasting into an activity. We were invited to decorate our own slice of orange chocolate cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, sprinkles, and chocolate ganache, proving that playing with your food is perfectly acceptable.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Lihakauppa Roslund
Roslund focused on poultry-based novelties this year. Their Chicken Smash Burger patty and Golden Balls chicken meatballs showed how familiar comfort food formats continue to evolve into new products and serving ideas.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Textil kompani
Textil Kompani reminded visitors that a memorable meal is about more than food alone. Their new ceramics, textiles and table-setting solutions demonstrated how atmosphere often comes together through thoughtful details.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Fazer
Fazer's stand featured a variety of breakfast favourites, protein-powered drinks, and bakery goods - including their award-winning Puikula Ohut Ruis. Soft, approachable and easy to enjoy, it was one of those products that quietly earns repeat visits throughout the day.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Silmusalaatti
Silmusalaatti offered their well-known organic product range of sprouts, as well as offering a glimpse into their ongoing product development. We had the opportunity to taste a forthcoming novelty that has not yet reached the market, making this one worth keeping an eye on in the months ahead.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas presented several summer-ready drinks, including new Seltzer Waters in Lemon Sour and Green Apple. Their new Highball was inspired by the classic whisky-and-ginger combination popular in Japan.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Sinituote Oy
Not every stand focused directly on food. Sini highlighted the often-overlooked reality that every good meal eventually leads to washing up. Their cleaning tablets, wipes and practical household tools offered clever solutions for keeping the culinary side of life running smoothly.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
Kia Finland
Outside the main venue, Kia Finland showcased its new fully electric EV5 and PV5 models. Visitors could also see the cars powering a mochi-filled freezer through Kia's V2L power output technology.
By midday, conversations had already shifted from introductions to recommendations. "Have you tried this yet?" became the question of the day, usually followed by directions towards a stand you had somehow managed to miss.
Lunch provided another opportunity to sample exhibitors' products, featuring KIKO x Hyvä Apaja Sushi along with side dishes from Fine Foods, soy from Berner, wines from Hartwall, Järvikylä herbs, and a selection of Valio products.
Photo by © Reka Peurala - Three Pod Studio
The event brought together around 140 guests and a record number of exhibitors. By the time we headed home, our content calendars were fuller and future shopping lists considerably longer.
Big thanks to Kaisa Nieminen, Seija Killström, the Gustus PR team, exhibitors and any other sponsors/partners not yet mentioned (IKEA, Airam, Arabia, Cloetta, OtavaMedia, Pure Waste, Ilapothecary, Cafetoria Roastery, Ventoniemi, Original Story) for another enjoyable day in Fiskars Village.
I'm already curious to see what next year's event has in store!
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. ❗️
