Latvia is one of the greenest nations in Europe and has one of the largest percentages of land used for organic farming, which is constantly increasing as the demand for organic food rises. Its subsectors, particularly fruit and vegetable, fish, and grain, have a considerable export capability. Investors have a wide variety of options in the food and beverage manufacturing industries because of factors including a strong supply chain, a skilled staff, and high-quality requirements. Consumers may get the fresh and natural food items they want because domestic manufacturers can efficiently monitor product quality throughout the whole manufacturing process, from the raw materials to the finished product.

Principal sectors of the food and beverage industry

Dairy products, fish processing, meat and egg production, cereals and baked goods, fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and confections are the major subsectors of the food business. Juices carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, mineral and drinking water, beer, and other alcoholic beverages are all produced as beverages.

Latvia in the food and beverage industry

Approximately 13% of Latvia’s geographical area is used for agriculture, and the majority of the components are farmed nearby, giving companies access to a reliable and effective supply chain. Additionally, 14.8% of agricultural lands are used for organic farming in 2020, which ranks as the 6th largest percentage in the EU. Due to the production of the second-highest proportion of organic livestock and the fourth-highest percentage of organic vegetables in the EU, Latvia has export potential in the organic industry. One of the things that Latvians have in plenty is grains. When it comes to rye and wheat output per capita, it comes in second in Europe.

Statistics on the food and beverage sector in Latvia

Our cuisine is regarded as among the greatest in the world, both at home and internationally. In 2020, food exports from Latvia will equal 0.7 billion EUR or 4.8% of all exports from Latvia. More than half of the fruit, vegetable, fish, and grain products produced in Latvia are exported. One of Latvia’s main industrial industries is the manufacture of food and beverages. 22% of all manufacturing output was generated by the food industry sector (2020).

Employment and education in the Latvian food industry 

With over 22,000 workers, this industry is among Latvia’s largest employers. The bulk of them works in the production of foodstuffs, while 2000 work in beverage production. Additionally, the agriculture industry employs more than 10,000 people. In 2020, 20.1% of all manufacturing workers were working in the food processing industry. The university in the lovely town of Jelgava should be your first option if you want to study food technology in Latvia. The Food Technology Faculty of the Latvian Agricultural University (LLU), which has more than 450 students enrolled, is the top educational facility in the food processing industry. Numerous vocational schools and other higher education institutions also provide study options on the subject of food processing.

Industry leaders in Latvia’s food and beverage manufacturing

The following companies are the top producers of food and beverages in Latvia:

Dobeles Dzirnavnieks

One of the top grain processors in the Baltics and the biggest pasta manufacturer in Northern Europe is Dobeles Dzirnavnieks. With a 230 000 tons grain storage capacity, Dobeles Dzirnavnieks engages in the buying, processing, and storing of grain. The firm manufactures pasta, cereal flakes, all varieties of wheat, flour blends, and organic goods.

Food Union 

Food Union is the top ice cream manufacturer in the Baltic States and the biggest dairy firm in Latvia. Rgas Piena Kombints and Valmieras Piens, two of Latvia’s largest dairy and ice cream makers, are joined by the FOOD UNION company.

Orkla confectioneries & snacks

Orkla Latvija manufactures candy, snacks, and dietary supplements. It brings together the two businesses Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Latvija and Orkla Foods Latvija. A well-known consumer brand in the Nordic and Baltic regions, Orkla Latvija is a subsidiary of the Norwegian company Orkla.

Latvijas balzams

Since 1900, Latvijas Balzams has been one of the Baltic States’ top producers of alcoholic drinks. With more than 100 product names, Latvijas Balzams offers all categories of alcoholic beverages, both strong and mild. Additionally, it is the manufacturer of well-known brands such as Riga Black Balsam®, Stolichnaya®, and Moskovskaya®.

Balticovo

Since its founding in 1972, Balticovo has been in operation. They now generate more than 600 million eggs annually from their hens, making them the biggest producer of eggs and egg-related goods in Northern Europe. Their goods are sold in retail stores, motels, and eateries, and 70% of them are exported to 20 different nations, including numerous European Union nations.