The Latvian beer production has never been so low with beer imports so highas these days, according to Reinis Pļaviņš, chairman of the Latvian Society of Independent Brewers (LNAB) and manager of the Labietis brewery. In a recent interview with LETA, Pļaviņš revealed that 60% of the beer consumed in Latvia is now imported, marking a significant shift from local production to importation.
Pļaviņš noted that since 2016, imported beer has surpassed locally brewed beer in consumption, which he described as detrimental to small brewers and contrary to national interests. Of the 1.5-1.6 million hectoliters of beer consumed annually in Latvia, 1 million hectoliters are imported. This trend starkly contrasts with Latvia's history as a major beer exporter, with exports reaching as far as Kamchatka during the Russian Empire era. Today, many beers with Latvian names, such as “Lielvārde,” “Madona,” “Lāčplēsis,” and “Aldaris,” are not produced locally but are imported.
The Baltic market's small size leads brewers to situate their production facilities where it is most economically advantageous. In Latvia’s case, major global players like Carlsberg (“Aldaris”) and Royal Unibrew (“Bauskas alus,” “Lielvārde,” “Lāčplēsis,” “Līvu,” “Madonas”) have opted to produce in neighboring countries and sell in Latvia. This has contributed to Latvia ranking third globally in beer imports, with each resident, including infants and the elderly, spending approximately EUR 55 annually on imported beer.
In response to these challenges, Latvia’s independent brewers have united to combat the dominance of global players. Since the beginning of the year, the LNAB has grown from 14 to 16 breweries, with potential for further expansion. The association aims to preserve and promote the development of Latvia’s beer industry, which has seen a decline in both consumption and local production over the past 10-15 years. Pļaviņš emphasized that beer is deeply ingrained in Latvian culture and identity, making its decline particularly disheartening.
Latvian Beer Production Sees Historic Low
60% of Beer Now Imported
The Latvian beer production has never been so low with beer imports so highas these days, according to Reinis Pļaviņš, chairman of the Latvian Society of Independent Brewers (LNAB) and manager of the Labietis brewery. In a recent interview with LETA, Pļaviņš revealed that 60% of the beer consumed in Latvia is now imported, marking a significant shift from local production to importation.
Pļaviņš noted that since 2016, imported beer has surpassed locally brewed beer in consumption, which he described as detrimental to small brewers and contrary to national interests. Of the 1.5-1.6 million hectoliters of beer consumed annually in Latvia, 1 million hectoliters are imported. This trend starkly contrasts with Latvia's history as a major beer exporter, with exports reaching as far as Kamchatka during the Russian Empire era. Today, many beers with Latvian names, such as “Lielvārde,” “Madona,” “Lāčplēsis,” and “Aldaris,” are not produced locally but are imported.
The Baltic market's small size leads brewers to situate their production facilities where it is most economically advantageous. In Latvia’s case, major global players like Carlsberg (“Aldaris”) and Royal Unibrew (“Bauskas alus,” “Lielvārde,” “Lāčplēsis,” “Līvu,” “Madonas”) have opted to produce in neighboring countries and sell in Latvia. This has contributed to Latvia ranking third globally in beer imports, with each resident, including infants and the elderly, spending approximately EUR 55 annually on imported beer.
In response to these challenges, Latvia’s independent brewers have united to combat the dominance of global players. Since the beginning of the year, the LNAB has grown from 14 to 16 breweries, with potential for further expansion. The association aims to preserve and promote the development of Latvia’s beer industry, which has seen a decline in both consumption and local production over the past 10-15 years. Pļaviņš emphasized that beer is deeply ingrained in Latvian culture and identity, making its decline particularly disheartening.
