Amber Latvijas balzams shifts Rīgas sparkling wine production to Lithuania

5 October 2026 · Baltic

Latvian alcoholic-beverage producer Amber Latvijas balzams has moved production of its Rīgas šampanietis sparkling wine from Latvia to Lithuania as the company restructures operations amid falling sales and financial pressure.

Latvijas Radio reported that production was transferred during the summer. The product has also been renamed Rīgas dzirkstošais. Amber Latvijas balzams has not formally commented on the relocation, while company employees cited by Latvijas Radio said the move was intended to reduce costs.

The transfer comes as the company undergoes legal protection proceedings. Amber Latvijas balzams reported net revenue of €24.6 million for the first half of 2026, down 30.4% year on year, while sales volumes fell 38.2%. The company recorded a €0.95 million loss, compared with a €1.2 million profit a year earlier.

Amber Latvijas balzams attributed the decline mainly to lower export orders from Stoli Group companies, particularly in the US, weaker consumption in Baltic and other markets, higher excise duties and lower contract-manufacturing volumes.

The company’s legal-protection plan had to be agreed with creditors by 5 October before submission to the Riga City Court. No outcome of that process had been disclosed at the time of publication.

The exact Lithuanian production site, the volumes transferred from Riga and any impact on employment at the Latvian plant have not been disclosed.