Helsinki Baltic Herring Market’s best products have been selected

On the opening day of the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, a panel of judges consisting of  food and urban culture experts, known as the ‘herring jury,’ has traditionally awarded the best fish products at the market. The winners of this year are Leif and Gerd Bergman from Geta in Åland and Pirjo and Reima Salonen from Taivassalo.

Since the 1970s, a panel of judges with changing members has selected the three best products in two categories at the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market. This year, there were 10 products in the Pickled Fish of the Year category and 12 products in the Baltic Herring Surprise of the Year category for cold Baltic herring products. The panel rated the products based on taste, appearance, smell and texture.

In the Herring Surprise series, the winner was announced as Pirjo ja Reima Salosen’s dill herring from Taivassalo. The jury was convinced by the harmonious, pleasant, and strongly dill-flavored taste. The second place in the series was awarded to Johanna Kellgren’s archipelago curry from Pellinki, and the third place went to Vento Aalto’s chili pineapple herring from Pyhämaa.

The winner of the Pickled Fish of the Year category is Leif och Gerd Bergman from Geta, Åland. The second prize went to John Eriksson from Rosala island, while Pirjo and Reima Salonen from Taivassalo came in third. The jury was particularly impressed by the product’s texture, balance, beautifully maritime appearance, and excellent structure. All the award-winning products are available at the vendors’ stalls as long as the products last.

The panel of judges consists of Tapio Bergström, Chef de cuisine at Fazer, Marjukka Mikkola from the Martha Association, Mark Ikonen, Representative of Helsinki Youth Council, Kai Kilpinen, Master Blender at The Helsinki Distilling Company, Dan Koskinen, Head of Hospitality Division at Helsinki Vocational College, Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki, Tom Nylund, journalist and content provider, Heli Saavalainen, journalist at Helsingin Sanomat, Anu Syrmä, Brand, Marketing and Communications Director at Helsinki Partners, Pasi Tuomiranta, Product Development Manager at Palmia Foods, and Harri Veckman, Food Development Manager at Kespro.

Image: Kim Öhman