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Janne Kataja opens up about life after bankruptcy: "Still thousands of euros in debt" – His spice brand is still selling

Entertainment ✍️ Jukka Mäkelä 🕒 2026-03-16 19:56 🔥 Views: 2
Janne Kataja

Many know Janne Kataja from television – as the energetic host, actor, and entertainer who has been making Finns laugh for a decade. But while the camera is on and the audience is applauding, Kataja's daily life has recently had a completely different atmosphere. His company's bankruptcy has been a topic of conversation, and now Kataja himself is speaking directly about what this time truly feels like.

When the news of his company's collapse became public, many probably wondered what it meant for Kataja's personal life. Is the man discouraged? What about Janne Kataja's Spice 250g product, which has found its way into many Finnish kitchens? Well, Kataja himself has been surprisingly open and honest throughout the entire process. He hasn't hidden away; on the contrary, he has shared on his social media channels and in interviews that yes, this has been tough, but it's certainly not the end of the world.

In debt, but no shame

In a recent interview, Kataja concretely revealed just how much debt he still has to pay off. According to him, the amount is several thousand euros, but it's not an insurmountable obstacle. "Of course it stings, and as someone with an entrepreneurial background, you always think about what you could have done differently. But when it comes to a small business bankruptcy, it's unfortunately often tied to personal loans, and you just chip away at them month by month," Kataja states.

What comes through in Kataja's words is that he hasn't gotten stuck dwelling on the failure. On the contrary, he has focused on the things that put food on the table and bring joy to life. One of those things is definitely his own spice brand.

The spice still sells, even though the company folded

Janne Kataja's Spice 250g jars can still be seen on store shelves, and Kataja confirms that sales are continuing as normal. "That's a different company, and it's running on its own steam. Thankfully, because I've received so much positive feedback about it. People like having an easy spice that adds a kick to everyday cooking," he chuckles.

  • The spice is still being sold – the bankruptcy hasn't affected its availability.
  • Kataja is still appearing on TV – new shows are in the pipeline.
  • Debt is being paid off little by little – Kataja is grateful to be able to work.

Kataja's attitude is indeed infectious: even though the company went under, the man himself hasn't gone anywhere. He's still the same warm and funny personality loved by TV viewers and social media followers alike. And if anyone thought this would silence him, they are completely wrong. Kataja has already mentioned planning new TV projects and thinking about all kinds of fun things he could come up with next.

Perhaps that's exactly the lesson Janne Kataja wants to share with us: sometimes you get knocked down, but that doesn't mean you should stay down. You get up, look ahead, and keep going. And while you're at it, spice up everyday life with good food.