Latvia 

In 2004, average consumption in the more mature Baltic beer markets reached 73 litres per person.  Growth in the premium segment, and other interesting developments, were anticipated after the Baltic countries joined the European Union in May 2004.

In Latvia, beer consumption is now 58 litres per person.  While there have been signs of discounting by cheap, lower-quality beers, the Baltic beer markets appear to be moving into a phase where growth in volume and value, through a greater focus on premium brands and cost efficiency, will be the way forward for a major player with an already strong market share.

The Aldaris Brewery in Riga, which was founded in 1865, became part of a joint venture (BBH) owned 50% by Carlsberg in 1992. Since 2008 it has been owned 100% by Carlsberg. Today Aldaris is the leading and most developed brewery in Latvia.

Aldaris was the first company in Latvia to gain ISO 9001 certification and it won the first Latvian Quality prize in 1997.

Aldaris produces more than 12 different light and dark lager beers based on traditional recipes. This includes the beer that carries the company's name – Aldaris – which is the oldest and most popular beer brand in Latvia.

Carlsberg has been imported to the Baltics since the early 1990s.  In 2000, local production began at the Svyturys brewery in Lithuania, from where it was distributed to Estonia and Latvia. Sales of Carlsberg in the Latvian market have increased steadily since local production began.

KEY DATES:

1865: Aldaris Brewery established.
1992: Aldaris becomes part of a joint venture owned 50% by Carlsberg.
2008: Aldaris is now owned 100% by Carlsberg.

KEY FACTS:

Sites: 1
Employees: 460
Consumption per person: 58 litres/year