The SocialBBQ Grill Table Traveled to Italy – Finnish Design Meets Southern Food Culture
When passion meets an idea, a story is born that takes us further than we could have ever imagined. Our story entered a new chapter when we loaded a van full of SocialBBQ Grill Tables at Aura’s offices and set off for Italy—a country where dining isn’t just about eating, but about enjoyment and the essence of togetherness.
A van full of the power of Finnish design
The best pieces from our entire collection set out on their journey:
- SocialBBQ Nordic – a classically elegant table made from Finnish pine, the one that started it all. It is the cornerstone of our product line, a timeless classic.
- SocialBBQ Signature – our all-new flagship collection designed for the Italian market, crafted from Finnish CLT wood. Signature embodies minimalist Nordic design that exudes quality and elegance.
- SocialBBQ Legend – a unique collection that has generated a great deal of interest. Legend tables are made from solid wood cut to size, and this collection includes ash and oak tables crafted from Finnish hardwood.
The car was also packed with SocialBBQ accessories. We were full of excitement and anticipation as we set off for the Port of Helsinki and the Finnlines ferry that would take us to Travemünde, Germany.
Across Europe Overnight
The trip turned into an adventure even before we reached our destination. We drove through the foggy German autobahns all night long, determined and excited. One small detail that will surely stay with us: we traveled 1,964 kilometers nonstop in 24 hours, taking only a 15-minute break in the parking lot of a German gas station. As the first rays of morning light illuminated the Austrian Alps, instead of feeling tired, we felt a new kind of energy. We were on our way to something big.
From the lush greenery of Northern Italy to the postcard-perfect scenery of Arpino
After a quick drive through Austria, we arrived in Northern Italy, where the lush valleys, rugged mountains, and endless rows of vineyards immediately captivated us. The scenery lifted our spirits after the long drive, and thoughts of Italian delicacies filled our minds. With the delicious flavors of Parmesan cheese and prosciutto fresh in our minds, we traveled the final 700 kilometers toward our destination.
As evening fell, we finally arrived at our destination, the town of Arpino, where Italian hospitality and a warm meal awaited us. Darkness had already fallen over the valley, but the next morning we woke up to a view straight out of a postcard: a breathtaking landscape unfolded around Arpino, and it immediately felt like home.
Showroom in Italy – Finnish Design on Display
Over the next day, we got to work. We set up some of the tables for immediate use and arranged the rest in the showroom for display and sale. Our SocialBBQ Nordic, Signature, and Legend collections found their place for Italians to see and experience. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, with Finnish design standing proudly in an Italian setting.
Once the tables were set up, we headed out to get inspired at local grocery stores and butcher shops. Italy is known for its pure, high-quality ingredients, and our shopping bags were filled with all kinds of delicacies, such as antipasto ingredients, high-quality meats, and fresh vegetables.
Italians are extremely proud of their food—and for good reason. Quality is strictly monitored. For example, in wine production, the DOCG designation guarantees origin and quality, and for cheeses, the DOP designation protects designations of origin. Parmigiano Reggiano isn’t just a cheese; it represents centuries-old craftsmanship and is a major part of Italian culinary tradition.
Visit to a winerybelow
After buying groceries, our journey continued toward a local small-scale winery. At the winery, we were welcomed with Italian warmth and got to walk among the grapevines, taste different grape varieties, and learn about wine cultivation. It was fascinating to see the journey of wine from the various stages of production all the way to the finished product, as well as the intergenerational tradition of winemaking.
Naturally, we couldn’t leave empty-handed, so we picked up a selection of high-quality local wines to perfectly complement the moments enjoyed around the SocialBBQ grill table. In Italian culinary culture, wine isn’t just a drink—it’s part of a larger whole. It brings together the ingredients, the meal, and the people.
Finnish hospitality with an Italian touch
We wanted to create a memorable evening for our guests around the barbecue table. The preparations for the evening went smoothly in a relaxed atmosphere. Italian music played in the background, cheerful chatter filled the table, and everyone pitched in to help prepare dinner. This spirit of working together was exactly what the SocialBBQ Grill Table represents—cooking and socializing in the same space, as a truly communal experience.
When we lit the Grill Table element, the whole group stopped to admire the flames. We took a “Prosecco break” so the coals could catch fire slowly and the smoke could clear before we sat down at the table. Once the grill was ready, the heat and the glow of the coals beckoned us to begin dinner. We prepared dinner using Italian ingredients, adding a Finnish twist with Poppamies’ signature seasonings.
We spent the next few days enjoying good food and the company of new friends, showcasing the versatile accessories of the SocialBBQ product family using our Grill Table. We grilled skewers, whipped up delicacies using the griddle and plancha, and prepared dessert under the simmering dome. The company at the dinner table was absolutely fantastic! In addition to Italians, our group also included people of other nationalities from around the world. Gathering around the Grill Table worked like a magnet—it brought people, languages, and cultures together around the same table.
Dinners stretched on for hours, becoming multi-course experiences where flavors and stories intertwined. And even after the last plates had been cleared away, it was still wonderful to linger and enjoy the evening by the warmth of the table. The recipe for every successful evening was always the same: good food, shared moments, and a warm atmosphere.
Quality goes both ways
When we arrived in Italy, SocialBBQ’s logistics van was packed from floor to ceiling with Finnish craftsmanship—unique grill tables. When it was time to head back, our van practically turned into a food truck: we filled it with the gems of the vineyards, Italian delicacies, and wonderful culinary experiences.
This was our company’s first trip abroad—and at the same time, our first step into the European market and toward international expansion.
The story will continue…
As we write this, we’re back in the car, but this time we’ve decided to split the drive in half and spend the night in Munich. Maybe tomorrow we’ll meet our EUROtour ambassadors, Lota and Eetu, in Bremen. (Read more about Eetu and Lota’s European adventure on our social media channels.)
With heartfelt thanks,
The SocialBBQ team: Teemu and Anski
🇪🇺 Project Funding
This project was carried out as part of the company’s international expansion and the export of SocialBBQ grill tables to the Italian market.
As part of the project, the first barbecue tables were shipped to Santopadre, Italy, where a showroom was set up in collaboration with a local partner. The goal of the project was to test the products’ suitability for the Italian market and to lay the groundwork for an international retail network.
The project has received support from the European Union’s Rural Development Fund in the form of Leader funding through the Varsinais-Suomen Jokivarsikumppanit ry association.
Public funding for the project totals 3,000 euros, of which 2,400 euros comes from the EU and the national government.
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
