Welcome to enjoy!

FFCR PROGRAM

Also this year, the program is filled with professionals, from whom we will hear about the latest trends in the industry. The recipe for FFCR’s program is clear: competitions, cooking, discussions and experiences! Read more about the program below!

LIVE KITCHEN

The Live Kitchen event arena is buzzing! The guests in the kitchen are top experts in the industry, and we get to follow their work up close. This arena is for all the senses: while you watch and smell what’s going on in the kitchen, you can hear our host, Samu Ovaska, and the guest talking about the industy’s hot topics. Finally, you can taste the products! (Note! Limited number of tasting portions).

Sponsors

Valio Aimo
Dieta Oy
TRB
samu ovaska

Samu Ovaska

Live Kitchen Host

Assistant chef and restaurateur, Samu Ovaska, is the host of the Live Kitchen by Valio Aimo at FFCR Helsinki. Samu chats and cooks with our guests on the theme of Flavour Journeys – i.e. various success stories in the industry.

Samu is an assistant chef and co-owner of restaurant Vår.

WEDNESDAY 19.3.2025

Maria Koivula

10:15-10:45

Opening words of the event: Maria Koivula, VP, NoHo partners

46-year-old Maria Koivula started in the restaurant business as a 14-year-old dishwasher at Restaurant Villiviini and is still on that journey.

Maria has worked in the industry for the past 20 years in various expert and management positions in the restaurant industry.

Companies: Helsingin Osuuskauppa, PalaceKämpGroup, Royal Ravintolat, Kanresta and now NoHo Partners for the past two years.

Maria has completed all her studies after high school alongside work (Bachelor of Business Administration, Hospitality Management and is currently finishing her Master’s thesis at the University of Eastern Finland, where she has studied since 2020, majoring in civil law and minoring in financial law.

“I want to learn even more about our industry, which is the best industry in the world!”

Elli Holappa

11:15-11:45

Jungle Juice Bar, Elli Holappa

Teemu Aura

12:15-12:45

Patisserie Teemu Aura

Päiväkumpu

14:00-14:30

Päiväkumpu, a private family business in Helsinki offering joy of life and gentle care

Päiväkumpu is a private family business operating in Helsinki that offers joy in life and gentle care. Its services include, among others, nursing homes, assisted living, home services, day activities and the café and restaurant services of the Cafe Elo. CEO Anne Kangas and head chef Matti Mattinen will be presenting the operations and services.

15:00-15:30

Meri-Tuuli Väntsi, chef & catering entrepreneur at Lucky Tart

Meri-Tuuli Väntsi is a chef and catering entrepreneur who runs the Lucky Tart catering company in Helsinki together with Pipsa Hurmerinta. The catering company, founded a year ago, is known for its uncomplicated and elegant food and holistic service. Meri-Tuuli gets inspiration for her cooking from the flavors and traditions of her childhood from abroad and her love of European culinary history in her cooking.

Vesa Saaristo

16:00-16:30

Vesa Saaristo, Head chef of Dieta Oy

Program content: Dieta’s chef Vesa Saaristo prepares “Light me up” gelato dishes – flamed pistachio oven ice cream with popcorn and meringue made in the Invoq oven will not leave anyone cold, even if there is ice cream. Gelato’s versatile possibilities will be shown through this dish.

 

Description: Over the past few years, homemade gelato has been a product around which many of our customers’ success stories have been built. Gelato has been an excellent way to stand out, offer your customers something unique and create good additional sales. Along with the preparation of the gelato dish, Chef Saaristo tells examples of how gelato has been involved in the activities of our different customers, e.g. in both Michelin events organized in Finland. Dieta has extensive expertise in making gelato and a partner network that guarantees the best equipment and raw materials. We also organize annual Gelato Academy training days for those interested in the art of ice cream.

Innovation awards

17:00-17:30

Innovation Awards – distribution of the awards

The Innovation Awards is a competition that aims to highlight ground-breaking ideas and celebrate innovative players and provides a platform for our exhibitors to showcase their latest product innovations. We have divided the competition into five categories – the most innovative beverage product, the food product or raw material of the future, the most innovative solution for the HoReCa and service sectors, the innovation of sustainable development. Both before and during the fair, visitors also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite in the “audience favorite” category.

THURSDAY 20.3.2025

10:15-10:45

Released soon

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11:15-11:45

Gold&Green – the future of vegetarian food

Come to hear what the future of vegetarian food could be and learn practical tips and ideas that will take plant-based cooking to the next level – without compromising on taste! Gold&Green products will be presented and tasted by Pietari Kruus

Henri Alen

12:15-13:00

Henri Alén

Henri Alén is one of the most famous and respected chefs in Finland. His career includes a long list of successful projects that have brought him to the top of our country’s gastronomy. Alén is especially known for modernizing traditional Finnish dishes and combining them with international influences.

Henri Alén will cook in the Live Kitchen by Valio Aimo area, where he will present his own innovative recipes and share cooking tips. Come and watch the master chef cook live and get inspiration for your own cooking.

Puhuja

13:30-14:00

Released soon

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Puhuja

14:30-15:00

Food culture fund award ceremony

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drink area

WINERY & BREWERY & DISTILLERY BY FFCR

Schedule

WEDNESDAY, 19.3.2025

12-12:30 Kespro
13-13:30 Tasting
14-14:30 T.R Björkbom, Cocktail training
15-15:30 Tasting
16-16:30 Wihuri Wine Academy
17-17:30 VIP Bartenders

THURSDAY, 20.3.2025

11:30-13:00 Cocktail competition FBSK/Monin 13:15-14:45 Tasting 15:15-15:45 Tasting 16:15-16:45 Tasting

COMPETITION AREA:
FASTFOOD CHAMPION 2025, SANDWICH

Schedule

WEDNESDAY, 19.3.2025

12-12:30

WEDNESDAY, 19.3.2025

12-12:30

FFC
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