Helsinki, Finland – Fourteen Estonian companies are set to participate in Gastro Helsinki 2026, a leading professional event for the catering, hotel, and restaurant sectors, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Representing the largest foreign contingent at the fair, these Estonian businesses aim to expand their reach into the Finnish market and forge latest partnerships.
The annual event, recognized as Finland’s largest and most important trade fair for the gastronomy industry, provides a crucial platform for businesses to showcase the latest trends and innovations in food, hospitality, and related technologies. Estonian participation underscores the growing economic ties between the two nations and a shared focus on quality and innovation within the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector. This year’s fair is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors, alongside nearly 300 exhibitors, including those participating in concurrent industrial fairs like FoodTec, PacTec, PlastExpo Nordic, Sign Print & Promotion, and Click Commerce.
According to Tiit Sarv, the Estonian representative for the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, “Gastro Helsinki is the longest-running and most renowned professional event for the catering, hotel, and restaurant sectors in Finland, providing an overview of happenings, trends, and flavor preferences in our northern neighbor’s market.” He further emphasized the long-standing relationship between Estonian companies and the fair, noting their participation for nearly two decades demonstrates its value in establishing connections and entering the Finnish market. Sarv stated, “The fair likewise has a distinguished history, first held in 1994. This event… offers an excellent opportunity to discover fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and establish business contacts.”
Estonian Businesses at the Forefront
The Estonian companies participating in Gastro Helsinki 2026 represent a diverse range of specialties within the food and hospitality industries. BerryFood OU, Bestpack OU, Eesti Pagar AS, Gotsu OU, Kanjon OU, Kikas OU, Marmiton AS, Moe OU, Polven Foods OU, Saaremaa Piimatoostus AS, Scanola Baltic AS, Thormi OU, Vinkymon OU, and Profexpo OU will all be exhibiting their products and services. The focus for these businesses is to not only promote sales but also to build a network of potential business partners within the Finnish market.
Beyond the core Gastro Helsinki event, several Estonian companies are also participating in the concurrently held industrial fairs. Cista AS, Multipakend Tootmine OU, TT Print OU, Future Design OU, and Pixmill Estonia OU will be showcasing their expertise in related fields, further highlighting the breadth of Estonian innovation.
Growing Estonian Presence in Finland
The strong Estonian presence at Gastro Helsinki reflects a broader trend of increasing trade and collaboration between Estonia and Finland. Over 300 representatives from the Estonian food sector are anticipated to attend the fair, demonstrating a significant level of interest in the Finnish market. This participation builds on the success of the 2024 event, which saw over 10,000 visitors – an 18% increase compared to 2022 – with 62% of attendees involved in company decision-making, according to Gastro Helsinki’s official website.
Gastro Helsinki is not only a commercial event but also a platform for discussing industry trends and sustainable practices. The fair promotes sustainable food and drink culture and aims to advance sustainability on a societal level. This aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and practices within the food and hospitality sectors.
What to Expect Next
As Gastro Helsinki 2026 approaches, the focus will shift to finalizing preparations and maximizing opportunities for networking and collaboration. The event promises to be a significant showcase of innovation and a catalyst for growth within the Finnish and Estonian HoReCa industries. The outcomes of the fair, including new partnerships and business deals, will likely shape the landscape of the food and hospitality sectors in both countries in the coming years.
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