17.3.2026 | Restaurants

Estonia Made an Impression at the Gastro Helsinki Fair

Text and photos Timo Raussi

Estonian food producers and companies from the food events sector made a strong showing last week in Helsinki, where Gastro Helsinki—Finland’s largest and longest-running professional event for the restaurant, hotel and food industry—took place. Over two days, a total of 14 Estonian companies were represented at the Messukeskus exhibition centre, forming the largest group of foreign participants.

At the Estonian joint stand, visitors could sample a wide range of products, including meat and poultry, fresh and frozen baked goods, biscuits, cheeses, mayonnaise, soft drinks made from quince, known as the “northern lemon”, as well as sauces and marinades enhanced with black garlic.

Visitors were also introduced to rapeseed oil, sweetened condensed milk, frozen herbs, fruit and berry snacks produced using specialised drying techniques, and vegan ready meals and pea protein products that have won the “best in category” Gulfood Innovation Award at the world’s largest industry trade fair in Dubai.

Also present with its own products was a company from Lääne-Viru County where spirits have been distilled since 1886. The company has since expanded into craft beers, opened a boutique hotel last year in a former manor distillery building, and organises seasonal art music concerts.

Taste Estonia is an initiative to promote Estonian food and food industry globally. It is managed by Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce.

April coffee festival celebrates its 10th edition in Tallinn

While exhibitors offered tastings, Tiit Sarv, CEO of ProfExpo, which represents the Helsinki Messukeskus in Estonia, informed visitors about this year’s food-related events in Tallinn. The Estonian counterpart to Gastro, the professional event FoodFair 2026, to be held in September at Unibet Arena, will be preceded in spring by an event open to all visitors, the Tallinn Coffee Festival.

The aroma of coffee will fill the city and the Kultuurikatel event centre near the harbour for two days on 25–26 April. Celebrating its tenth edition, the festival offers the chance to taste some of the world’s best coffees and explore the latest trends, bean varieties, equipment, Estonian micro-roasteries, and the country’s leading coffee and barista professionals. These professionals will compete in front of audiences in latte art and in identifying coffee varieties as quickly as possible for the Estonian championships.

Nearly 80 exhibitors will take part in the festival. In addition to coffee enthusiasts, there will be flavour experiences for lovers of tea and cocoa. DJs will create the event atmosphere, and local street food, pastries and other treats will also be available. Day tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance here.