Local flavors and shopping
Kouvola spreads over a large area, and the countryside is a significant part of Kouvola and the lives of the city dwellers. Perhaps that’s why you’ll find plenty of local products and local food in the city. Be sure to head to Kouvola for coffee, licorice, and ceramics.
Below you will find tips on local products and how you can support domestic local products. You can also explore Kouvola’s restaurant offerings and read cafe tips.
Coffee or wine?
Papulaari’s story began with Kouvola coffee. It was sold at summer events until its own café was established. Today, the coffees are roasted in their own roastery, where barista master Jarno Peräkylä was involved in starting the roasting. One of Papulaari’s coffee classics is the dark Sysi-Kymi, and another is the smooth Kouvola coffee. Under the same roof, you will find other local products as well.
The KAPU Roastery’s roastery and shop are located at Taideruukki. KAPU’s dark roast is named KAPU Myrsky. Other coffees include the light medium roast KAPU Sulo and medium roast KAPU Oiva, as well as KAPU Rauha and KAPU Lempi. The roastery organizes cupping events for companies or individuals. It’s like a wine tasting, but you delve into the flavors of coffee. During cupping, the journey of coffee from the plantations to the cup is shared, and 6–7 different coffees are tasted.
Kartanon Vaalea, Punapaula, Päivänsäde, and Karvajalka. These are a few options for wine and liqueur tastings at Mustila Viini’s Wine Cabin. From the neighboring Wine Shop, you can purchase not only wines made from locally grown berries but also lemonades, jams, and jellies. In the 2023 wine competition, Koppelon Kujerrus won the social wine category. Mustan Everstin Kosto wine is one of Mustila Viini’s favorites.
Beer enthusiasts should keep in mind the quality products from Panimo Hopa, which you can taste at Vanha Kauppa in Kuusankoski.
Kuusankoski’s ceramicist
Ceramicist Anu Pentik’s father worked at Kymi Company and brought home a roll of paper as an employee benefit every Friday, which the girl filled with her drawings. The artist’s story began in Kuusankoski, and the artist, who settled in Posio, also wanted an outlet store. Pentik Outlet operates in the Kymen Pavilonki, which opened in 1990 at the intersection of Highway 4 and Highway 6 near the Kymijoki river. In addition to Pentik’s products, you will find other local products under the Paviljong’s roof.
Korian Palviliha renewed factory outlet is located in the heart of Koria. The first products of the factory, established in 1975, were Traditional Smoked Ham, Smoked Belly, and Smoked Back. They are still made using the same method as before, smoking in a smoker with alder wood. Over the years, the product range has grown, and Palvilihalta also offers specialty sausages, cold cuts, and seasonal products. The main article remains the Traditional Authentic Smoked Ham.
Candy city
Kouvola is truly a candy city, as you will find not one, not two, but three candy factories! That’s a great start.
The licorice manufacturer Timo Nisula from Kouvolan Lakritsi has declared Kouvola the capital of licorice in the world. Kouvolan Lakritsi’s products are available everywhere in Kouvola and many places in Finland. It is also exported to Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Canada. The factory outlet of Kouvolan Lakritsi is worth a visit for the whole family.
Local candy treats are also made in Kouvola by Kouvolan Herkku and Lakumesta. From Kouvolan Herkku, you can get delicious hard candies, as well as tasty marshmallows, and from Lakumesta, a wide range of licorice and treats suitable for special diets.
Treats from the bakery shop
Those craving delicious rye breads should head to Korian Leipomo or Risto Peltolan Leipomo bakery shop, or to the Tuomo Luomu shop located in Taideruukki at Cafe Ruukittare. The Leipomo Koppanen, which makes various treats, has a shop attached to the bakery and in the city center.
In addition to candies and ceramics, Kouvola also produces soft products. The Novita factory outlet at Korian ABC station is a yarn paradise for knitters, offering a diverse selection of wool yarns and knitting accessories.
Flea markets are experiencing a renaissance, and in Kouvola, you can make sustainable purchases in several places. The Perhekirpputori Centtilä in Kellomäki, with 200 sales tables, is one of the largest flea markets in the city. Under the roof of Kauppakeskus Veturi, you will find Parikin recycling shop, which offers everything from appliances and decor to clothing. Not far away, you will also find the Ihana kirppis and Satumaa.
Below you will find more shopping opportunities and local products. Don’t forget to stop by Kouvola’s cafes and restaurants to indulge.