RIGA BLACK BALSAM: both liquor and medicine

Riga Black Balsam is the Latvian national beverage created by loving hands from 24 natural ingredients. Balsam adds up to a harmonious blend of extracts made of herbs, flowers, juices, roots and berries. The unique recipe was created in the 18th century by Riga pharmacist Abraham Kunz. Once the drink was tried by Empress Catherine II, who was cured thanks to it during her stay in Courland (now part of Latvia), soon the beverage became a favorite at the Russian court and all over Europe. Enjoy now the tradition, mystery and exotic taste of Abraham Kunz at the Black Balsam Factory.

World War I stopped the trade of spirits for some time, however, already at the very beginning of Latvia as an independent state, the operations of spirits distillery were resumed. The production output at that time amounted 25 000 - 26 000 bottles a day. According to the information provided by Riga City Bureau of Statistics, in 1924 Riga Spirits Warehouse employed 24 employees.

In 1940 the distillery was nationalised and named as Rīgas spirta un degvīna rūpnīca (Riga spirits and vodka distillery).

In 1949 the distillery started producing liqueurs and was renamed accordingly, i.e., Rīgas liķieru un degvīna rūpmīca (Riga liqueur and vodka distillery).

In 1960 the company started export production.

In 1970 the company acquired its present name. But a few years following the resumption of national independence of Latvia, Latvijas balzams became a state-owned joint stock company.

In 1997, the company was privatised and in 1998 A/S Latvijas balzams shares were listed in Riga Stock Exchange.

In 2000, as the result of acquisition, Latvijas balzams joined with A/S Rīgas vīni, which enabled LB to acquire a substantial market share in the growing wine segment and develop the production of light alcoholic drinks.

Since 2001, one of the top priorities set by the company has been the development of new products. New brands have been created both in the segment of strong and light alcoholic beverages, enabling the company to strengthen its competitiveness.

In 2002, the company celebrated the 250th anniversary of Riga Black Balsam. Riga Black Balsam is an ancient drink, created in the middle of the 18th century, as the first written evidences of the unique mixture date back to 1752. This brand carries a very special meaning to the company, which actually bears its name. It is the visiting card of the company in Latvia and abroad where Riga Black Balsam has received more than 30 awards at various international fairs.

In 2002, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of the sparkling wine brand Rīgas šampanietis (Riga Champagne).

In late October 1952 in the wine production facility (which is still located in the same place - the industrial part of Riga city centre at Aristīda Briāna Street), LB produced the first 300 bottles of a new product. It was created on the basis of an ancient and well-known French method - double fermentation of bottled wine.

Today A/S Latvijas balzams is the largest manufacturer of alcoholic beverages in Latvia and in the Baltic states. According to the information of the SRS Excise Goods Administration, in 2003 the market share of the company reached 43% in Latvia. Latvijas balzams is a wide-ranging producer of alcoholic beverages, manufacturing more that ten product groups, including Riga Black Balsam, different brands of vodka, liquor, sparkling wine, gin, brandy, whiskey, cocktails, in total more that 115 brands.

The company's objective - production of high quality beverages - in recent years has been highly appraised at a number of fairs and has earned a range of reputable awards: golden, silver and bronze medals and distinction certificates.

Today the majority shareholder of Latvijas Balzams is S.P.I. Group.

Over the last two years more than 8 million lats have been invested towards increasing of production capacity and development of operations. Due to substantial export, the company has doubled its production capacities.