Pride of the Latvian Economy

Transcription

EXPORT AND INNOVATION AWARD 2012
Pride of the Latvian Economy
Dear Reader!
A company that has created an innovative product, achieved noteworthy export results, or offers a product or service that is a serious rival to
imported products or services, sets a good example of how the spirit of
enterprise is fostered in Latvia. Such examples are compiled in the publication Pride of the Latvian Economy.
We are pleased to present to you the winners of the Export and Innovations Award 2012 competition – companies that have not only
achieved notable results in their business sectors but, by participating
in the competition, confirmed the spirit of competition so characteristic
of the business environment.
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia has been organizing the competition Export and Innovation Award for eight years in a
row. The competition is important in presenting an opportunity to evaluate and honor the best Latvian enterprises engaged in healthy rivalry.
The participants vie for awards in several categories, presenting their achievements, new products that are successfully marketed abroad or
high-quality products made for the local market. The companies’ applications for the Export and Innovation Award competition prove its
importance for Latvian enterprises and its popularity with the general
public.
The publication Pride of the Latvian Economy was prepared as part of
the European Union’s Structural Funds project Programme for Motivating Innovative Entrepreneurship. A key objective of the program is to
encourage society to set up new businesses. We hope that the publication will become a source of inspiration and a guide to new, active
enterprises, fostering their successful development.
Andris Ozols
Director
Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
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Seeking the Pride of Latvia’s Economy
To boost the competitiveness of Latvia’s entrepreneurs on both domestic and foreign markets, bring about production
and retail of commodities with high added value, and single out the most successful players in the sector, the Ministry
of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) for the eighth year have organized the
competition – Export and Innovation Award. Its main objective is to showcase the talent of Latvia’s entrepreneurs in materializing unusual and innovative ideas, creating a wide variety of products with the highest added value, and thereby
ably competing with world-famous companies.
114 bids from enterprises from all parts of Latvia were received for the 2012 competition, representing the key export
branches – wood processing, furniture manufacture, metalworking, automotive industry, electronics, appliances, light
industry, polygraphy, construction supplies, food production, textiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, information technology, design elements, etc.
This publication serves as recognition for those companies who have a success story to tell, that the products they make
are not only succesful replacements for their imported counterparts on local markets, but are also in demand on export
markets, resulting in Latvia’s name becoming better known internationally.
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Export and Innovation Award
The competition was originally meant to rate and then honour Latvia’s most successful exporters, but over the years
such categories were also added as Innovative Product, Import Substitute Product, and Industrial Design. A competent jury evaluates companies that excel at offering innovative products on the market, that are able to replace
imported analogues with their products, and that outdo existing product designs by new and innovative ones.
The total amount of export of the award-winning companies of the past three years is over EUR 796.81 million, and
the most exportable and innovative companies employ more than 7500 people on aggregate.
This year, companies applied in four competition categories: Best Exporter (in two groups: large and medium-sized
companies, and small companies), Import Substitute Product, Innovative Product and Industrial Design. As usual,
participants in the fifth category, Leading Exporter, are selected by jury based on export data and investment in
sustainable development.
A total of 28 companies were nominated as finalists of the Export and Innovation Award 2012 competition.
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Evaluation and Awards
Evaluation of the Export and Innovation Award’s contenders is conducted in two rounds. In the first, the distinguished
jury reviews the questionnaires filled out by companies on the products they have entered for the competition, and
operational figures. In the second, the nominee-companies are visited by jury members for a first-hand look and the
opportunity to discuss with management the respective sector’s problems and the company’s future prospects on local
and foreign markets.
The jury is made up of economists, members of the Latvian Confederation of Employers, the Latvian Institute, the Latvian
Technological Centre, university professors, regional agency chiefs and other experts.
Each competition category’s winners (first and second place) receive all-expenses-paid business trips – accompanying
top state officials on foreign visits, in LIAA-organized trade missions and/or individual commercial sojourns. Third-place
winners receive free advertising space in any of LIAA’s informative publications.
All winners in addition have the right to use the Export and Innovation Award 2012 logo for their promotional materials
and on product packaging. Information about all contenders is placed on LIAA’s homepage at www.liaa.gov.lv with a link
to the respective company’s Website.
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Title Leading Exporter
Mikrotīkls Ltd.
Mikrotīkls Ltd.
Routers and wireless systems
Mikrotīkls Ltd. (MikroTik) is a Latvian company founded in 1995 to develop routers
and wireless ISP systems. MikroTik now provides hardware and software for Internet connectivity in many countries around the world. The company has created the
RouterOS software system that provides extensive stability, controls, and flexibility
for all kinds of data interfaces and routing.
„The main feature of MikroTik is that the company creates
and develops products, which are then manufactured by
other MikroTik approved companies. We like to concentrate
on areas, we believe, we are the best at, and let others do
what they are best at. At the moment, this cooperation has
been very successful.’’
Arnis Riekstiņš,
MikroTik President:
„Three factors have determined the
success of our company – orientating
ourselves towards the global market,
the constant development of new
products, as well as educated employees, who are interested in what they
do. We have always based our business
on how we create our products, and
that persons make the decision to buy
our products not based on being encouraged to do so, but making the decision themselves. We have not participated in any state tenders or received
any kind of European funding.”
Website: www.mikrotik.com
Turnover (2012): EUR 79.98 million
Number of employees (2012): 82
Main export partners: EU, USA,
China, Indonesia
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The company’s products are manufactured in production plants in Latvia, Lithuania and China, while the equipment and accessories themselves are sold through
various distributors around the world. MikroTik is one of Latvia’s largest exporters.
The company began its activities connecting research establishments with wireless
connections, which back then was a revolutionary innovation. Furthermore, the
company’s first project abroad was in Moldova – connecting the country’s parliament and government buildings with Internet.
„We understood that the Latvian market was too small, thus
we must manufacture something that can be used everywhere. Orientating ourselves towards the international market is our success story. ‘’
The company admits that the situation in the IT sector keeps changing rapidly. Often, when a new product is developed, others look at it and find ways to manufacture it faster and at a lower cost, thus the original developers are forced to abandon
production. In such cases, decisive is the role of the creative team, which is capable
of innovative thinking and being able to immediately react to the latest technological innovations on the market.
Three years ago, MikroTik opened a subsidiary in Hong Kong, so that it could more
conveniently oversee production and sales in the Far East. In other areas of the
world, the company’s products are distributed by cooperation partners. The company attracts new clients through its web-site, as well as participating in IT exhibitions around the world. Furthermore, the company itself organizes its own exhibitions and conferences.
Category Best Exporter
in the Group of Large and
Medium-sized Companies
1st place – GroGlass Ltd.
2nd place – Lauma Fabrics Ltd. 3rd place – Arčers Ltd.
Recognition:
Brabantia Latvia Ltd.
Jelgavas Tipogrāfija Ltd.
Papīrfabrika Līgatne Ltd.
Tenachem Ltd.
GroGlass Ltd.
Glass with anti-reflective coating – Artglass, Sapphire, Diamond
The high technology plant GroGlass is one of only five such companies in the world
that is capable of manufacturing glass with anti-reflective nano-coatings. The
unique GroGlass production equipment was created by the local company Sidrabe,
but in 2008 the company began manufacturing anti-reflective or ‘’invisible’’ glass.
„Priceless artwork framed in glass at the London National
Art Gallery and the Louvre in Paris, Bang & Olufsen television
displays – these are just some of the many examples where
this high-quality Latvian made anti-reflective glass is being
used.’’
The anti-reflective glass manufactured by the company is being used in a wide variety of sectors – glass framing art, television screens and electronic displays, glass
supermarket refrigerators, as well as modern architectural and interior design solutions. In the manufacturing process, the glass has several metal oxide coatings
applied on both sides, with the thickness of the coating being about 1/500th of a
human hair, thus virtually eliminating glare by reducing reflection to 1%. Furthermore, GroGlass glass is capable of UV protection of up to 100%.
Aleksandrs Kelbergs,
GroGlass Ltd. Director:
„Our anti-reflective coating makes the
glass practically invisible and eliminates reflections, which allows modern
architects all over the world to include
our glass products in shop and restaurant windows, VIP areas in stadiums
and many other places where visibility
must be perfect. We are extremely
satisfied with our cooperation with the
Investment and Development Agency
of Latvia and that we were able to attract European funding for research to
create new products and conquer new
export markets.’’
Website: www.groglass.com
Export countries: Germany, UK,
France, Belgium, USA and many others
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„The foundation of the company’s success is the fact that it
has a well thought-out product portfolio differentiation, as
well as persistent work on product research and development. One job in manufacturing, ensures several jobs in the
service industry, thus we are pleased that in such a way we
are supporting the Latvian economy.’’
At the moment, GroGlass has taken approximately 70% of the market in several
European countries, and has also won several prestigious awards, including the
Export and Innovation Award in 2012. Creating a new, innovative and successful
company in a specific sector is not easy, however, the GroGlass success story can
serve as a source of inspiration for Latvian entrepreneurs hoping to find new ideas
for new brands that can proudly say - ‘’Made in Latvia’’.
Lauma Fabrics Ltd.
Raw materials for manufacturing lingerie
Lauma Fabrics main business lines include production and sale of materials for the
manufacture of lingerie and medical products. The materials offered by the company come in a range of harmonious colours, including a wide array of lace and
patterned fabrics in a variety of functional, classical and more complex motifs; the
company also produces lighter, more delicate lace and knitted fabric.
Lauma Fabrics is the only company in the Baltic countries that can provide clients
with all they need for making lingerie. This means that the production process includes thread preparation, knitwork and spinning, treatment, quality control, cutouts, tailoring and sewing. The production process at Lauma Fabrics combines a
number of technologies to create complex products that the company can offer to
clients in one set.
„In this kind of business, you need to keep track of fashion
trends and client requests. The demand for our products
is determined by various client-related factors: the client’s
main business, market segment, business going well or going bad.”
Edijs Egliņš,
Lauma Fabrics Ltd. Director:
„When you work in the textiles and
fashion business, you have to keep in
mind that large amounts of money
must go into product development.
The company has never tried to save
on the development of new products,
which is why the materials produced
by the company are used by over 200
lingerie brands in more than twenty
countries. We cannot compete with
China in terms of prices, but we are
open to co-operation with any lingerie
producers to whom original design,
quality and service matter.”
Website: www.laumafabrics.com
Export countries: Belarus, Lithuania,
Estonia, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, France
Lauma Fabrics products are sold in twenty countries in total. The company works
with clients by meeting them individually and at fairs, constantly maintaining contacts to achieve co-operation that lasts for many years. Furthermore, the company
has agents in several countries, as well as wholesalers that act as go-betweens for
Lauma Fabrics and its clients.
Taking into account that many local companies in Latvia have been historically
developing along with Lauma Fabrics, this kind of co-operation has always been
excellent and successful, and the company is very pleased with this. The company
has also developed good co-operation with LIAA, which currently supports the reconstruction of the company’s finishing facility.
„The main objective this year is to successfully complete the
reconstruction of the finishing facility without halting the
production process. As a result of this reconstruction, the
quality of our products will be higher, the company’s energy
efficiency and customer service will improve, which in turn
will significantly consolidate the company’s competitiveness
in the future.”
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Arčers Ltd.
Planning, manufacturing, and assembly of glazed building structures, construction work
The construction company Arčers was established in 1992. Its operations are
focused on the construction and reconstruction of buildings, as well as the design,
planning and construction of glazed and aluminum constructions. Arčers has also
worked on projects abroad, carrying out mainly specialized construction projects.
Approximately 35% of the company’s glazed construction products are exported –
aluminum, plastic and glass interior and exterior constructions. The company’s
main export region is Scandinavia, especially Norway, Sweden, as well as Western
Europe, especially Belgium. The company also has experience in such countries as
Denmark, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
„Both the Scandinavian and Western European markets are
long-standing, and business persons in these regions are
very experienced, who all highly value quality, cooperation
history, speed in solving problems, as well as attitude towards clients. Overall, the most optimal export markets for
Latvian builders are Scandinavia and Western Europe. Price is
important in these regions, but not necessarily the determining factor.”
Edijs Purmalis, Arčers Ltd. Deputy
Chairman of the Board:
„Our cooperation experience with the
of Latvia has been very successful, as
we ourselves wished to utilize all of
the opportunities the agency offers
companies to expand their businesses
abroad. It is wrong to believe and
expect that it will provide companies
with foreign contracts. Each company
has to achieve this themselves.”
Website: www.arcers.lv
Export countries: Norway, Sweden,
Belgium
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Another important factor is the distance of export markets, which can substantially
influence the final price. However, Arčers remains competitive in this area as well –
calculating travel costs, subsistence allowances and living costs, Arčers can offer a
price similar to what local companies can offer.
„It must be pointed out that when entering new markets,
in many cases, there is a long process of harmonizing documents to obtain the necessary permits, as well as various
inspections are carried out. Furthermore, companies also
frequently come in contact with hidden market protection
mechanisms. Strict legislation in foreign countries, as well as
the active work of local labor unions, ensures that salaries are
in accordance with the salary level in that respective country.
Latvian entrepreneurs can save on cheaper energy resources
used during the production process, as well as on engineering solutions, which are often equal and even superior to
what local companies can offer in foreign countries.”
Brabantia Latvia Ltd.
Ironing boards and laundry dryers
Brabantia Latvia is a subsidiary of the Dutch concern Brabantia International B.V.,
which has over 90 years of experience in the manufacturing of household products. Brabantia Latvia began its operations in Latvia in Talsu Region’s Ģibuļi County
in 2008. Evaluating the most suitable location for its production plant, the parent
company compared several countries in Eastern Europe. Latvia was finally chosen
because of its highly developed metalworking traditions, membership in the European Union, having the euro currency pegged to the national currency, as well as
the overall favorable environment for business activity.
Brabantia Latvia manufactures durable, functional and long-lasting household
products, which are made out of high quality materials. The company is capable of
manufacturing one ironing board per minute, and several hundred per day. Each
week, the company ships seven or eight truckloads of products to warehouses in
Central Europe and England. Since the company began its operations in Latvia, it
has produced over one million ironing boards and 860,000 drying racks.
„The company’s first steps in Latvia were taken with major
support from the Investment and Development Agency of
Latvia. Good cooperation has also been established with the
local government.”
Georgijs Buklovskis,
Brabantia Latvia Ltd. Plant Director:
„In the five years since we established
our production plant in Latvia, we
have become one of the most effective
manufacturing companies in the country. The efficiency of Brabantia Latvia,
per one employee, is two times higher
than the EU average and four times
higher than the Latvian average. This
gives us the opportunity to successfully offer our products on the international market.”
Website: www.brabantia.com
Export countries: UK, Belgium
99 percent of products manufactured by Brabantia Latvia are exported. Furthermore, export volumes in 2012, compared to the previous year, increased over twofold. Overall, the concern has 23 offices and 60 distributors all over the world, as
well as over 10,000 cooperation partners. Brabantia household goods are sold all
over the world in a total of 97 countries.
„Since we began production in Latvia, we have been able to
double production volumes and turnover each year. In addition to increasing financial figures and production volumes,
there has also been a proportional increase in products with
“Made in Latvia” on them, which is something we are very
pleased with.”
Business processes within the company are organized in accordance with the latest
and most effective business methodologies. The company utilizes a large number
of automated production lines, robots and other modern equipment. The company
is also constantly carrying out improvements and planning expansions for the future.
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Jelgavas tipogrāfija Ltd.
Books, diaries, calendars, advertising materials and presentational materials for businesses
Jelgavas tipogrāfija specializes in production of books, diaries, calendars, advertising materials and presentational materials for businesses. The company’s competitiveness is based on high-quality production. Until 2005, Jelgavas tipogrāfija exclusively produced advertising materials. Later came investment in book production
technologies, purchase of required equipment and construction of a new printinghouse outside the city.
„A book is not only a product for generating profit. It is a part
of national culture. Each day, we create books from various
materials, combining ideas and visions with paper, materializing the thoughts of authors and artists. Through our work,
we contribute to a better world.”
The local market, where activity is currently the highest, is emotionally important
for Jelgavas tipogrāfija. Around 50% of the company’s production is sold to Latvian
book enthusiasts, the second half is exported.
„The export market helps maintain economic stability, but local books provide
more joy.”
Juris Sīlis, Jelgavas tipogrāfija Ltd.
„The printing-house has one the most
advanced modern technologies,
however, this is no reason to stop. Our
previous years can be described as
development years. We work with enthusiasm and pleasure, which results in
growth and boosts product quality and
operational efficiency. We will continue
our path of development, investing in
technologies, seeking and introducing
innovative solutions in book publishing, and training personnel.”
Website: www.jt.lv
Export countries: Germany, Finland,
Russia, France, Norway, Sweden,
Switzerland, Estonia, Lithuania,
Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium
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The company chooses its export markets intuitively, of course, taking into account
various factors – social, economic and political. Support from the Investment and
Development Agency of Latvia and a chance to use the European Union’s structural
funds are important as well.
„Logistics, tax and customs legislation are particularly important on export markets, just like market share rivals’ technological capacity, chosen products, buying and payment habits.”
Recognition among the competitors indicates that we are capable of producing
competitive production and are European-level specialists in our sector. The company’s success is an award for all employees.
Papīrfabrika Līgatne Ltd.
Paper and paper products
Papīrfabrika Līgatne (Līgatne Paper Mill) is one of the oldest and tradition-richest
paper producers not only in the Baltic countries, but also in Europe. Today, it is the
only paper production mill and major paper recycler in Latvia. The company specializes in production of art paper for schools and young artists, core board and
paper cores, special purpose technical and packaging papers. The paper mill exports 70-80 % of its output. The company produces all of its products from recycled
paper, which helps protect the environment.
The Paper Mill has created a new product line called „Paper from Paper’’, which includes 20 different paper products, for example, office paper, art paper, as well as
colored paper notes. The company’s products are all „FSC’’ internationally certified.
Līgatne exports its products to Lithuania, UK, Slovenia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden,
Slovakia, the Netherlands, Finland, Australia, Norway, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium,
Chile, USA and Poland. Over the past several years, paper consumption and production volumes in USA and Western Europe continue to decrease, but there has
been an increase in demand for specific design paper, as well as the importance of
recycled paper. The Paper Mill has been able to successfully combine both of these
niches, and is capable of competing with high-quality products for a good price.
Normunds Dzērve, Papīrfabrika
Līgatne Ltd. Member of the Board:
„The success is in large part due our
team, which works together to optimize the production process, as well as
implement new innovations and technologies. These are persons who are
not only capable of finding new export
markets, but are also capable of retaining long-time clients.’’
Website: www.pf-ligatne.lv,
www.makulatura.lv
Export countries: Lithuania, UK,
Slovenia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden,
Slovakia, the Netherlands, Finland,
Australia, Norway, Ukraine, Germany,
Belgium, Chile, USA, Poland
„We are a small paper mill, thus we are capable of fulfilling
specialized orders and the individual requests from our clients, which larger paper companies are not capable of. This
is proven by the geography of our extensive export markets
all over the world, as well as our loyal and trustworthy clients,
who have been working with us for many years.’’
In recent years, a trend has been noticed where Latvian residents choose local
products more frequently, as well as products that are ecologically and biologically
friendly. This is a very important aspect. We are beginning to see more and more
clients recycling their waste and giving their recyclable goods to local manufacturers – in this case recyclable paper to our paper mill.
„Participation in the Investment and Development Agency of
Latvia’s Export and Innovation Award 2012 was a bench-mark
of sorts for our company, as we were able to evaluate the work
we have carried out and come to the conclusion that we are a
competitive company on the global market.’’
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Tenachem Ltd.
Tenaglass insulating glass sealants
Tenachem Ltd. is a Tenax Group company, the largest manufacturer of industrial
chemicals and special sealants in the Baltic States, as well as one of the five leading
insulating glass sealant producers in the world. The company was established in
Dobele in 1991.
Tenachem produces and delivers 12,000 tonnes of products per year to clients all
around the world. All of this is provided and developed by a team of 80 people in
Latvia in collaboration with Latvian and European certification and testing centres.
With its products Oksiplasts, Elūrs and Tenaplasts, which are used for sealing deformation joints in residential buildings, Tenachem has been the industry’s leader for
several years. Insulating glass sealants Tenaglass-2, Tenaglass-PU and Tenaglass-3
are demanded not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East and the Far East, from
South Korea to Mexico and Canada.
Nikolajs Kurma,
Tenachem Ltd. Director:
„To ensure stable growth in such a specific area, we are constantly following
the latest development trends on the
global market, acquiring and introducing new technologies. The Export and
Innovation Award 2012 is of particular
importance, because it is valuable
recognition on the company’s path
towards further accomplishments.”
Website: www.tenaglass.com
Export countries: Canada, Mexico,
Brazil, South Korea, Egypt, Algeria,
Tunisia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Slovenia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,
Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary
and many others
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„Around 95% of our products are exported to 40 countries
worldwide. Our export countries are becoming more diverse,
clients - more demanding and knowledgeable. Striving for
constant improvement in quality and client satisfaction indicators is particularly important in the company’s operational
policy.”
By closely following the latest market trends, introducing new technologies and
developing new operational directions, Tenachem turnover and range of products
grow each year.
The company is currently working on introducing a new group of products on the
market – Tenalux, to be used in building construction, civil engineering, automotive
and other industries.
„The basic principle of Tenachem operations is to be a stable
and reliable partner to clients, suppliers and employees, ensuring the company’s compliance with the highest quality
standards.”
Category Best Exporter
in the Group of Small-sized
Companies 1st place – Zabbix Ltd.
2nd place – Pure Chocolate Ltd.
3rd place – Aloja-Starkelsen Ltd.
Recognition:
NPK Terminālis Ltd.
Zabbix Ltd.
Network monitoring solutions
Information technology company Zabbix was established in 2005. The company’s
main business line is the development of systems for monitoring of networks and
applications. The programme is available to users free of charge. The company’s export portfolio is made up of related services: technical support, consultation, training, turnkey solutions and integration in other systems.
„We place emphasis on a flexible approach to client needs and
the ability to provide top-level services at reasonable prices.
The company has more than 55 international partners that are
actively offering the company’s product all over the world.”
Zabbix monitoring solutions are employed in such sectors as finance and insurance, information and communications technology, health care, public sector, retail
trade, power supply and chemical industry.
The company’s subsidiary in Japan, Zabbix Japan LLC, opened its office in Tokyo last
year, launching active distribution of the company’s products and services to local
companies, including banks, insurance companies, telecommunications, manufacturing, transport and logistics enterprises, as well as educational and health care
organizations.
Aleksejs Vladiševs, Zabbix Ltd.
Director and Member of the Board:
„We concentrate all our efforts on
product development, which is the
only way to keep our leading position.
While new markets choose our product
themselves, we of course analyse in
which region our profile needs to be
increased, and strive to achieve this.
LIAA helped us gain more popularity by supporting our participation in
several fairs, while Latvian embassies in
France, UK, Belgium and Scandinavian
countries offered us support in arranging business meetings.”
Website: www.zabbix.com
Export countries: Argentina, Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China,
Cyprus and many others
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This year, Zabbix has expanded the list of its export markets by adding China, India
and Australia, and it is also planning to expand into the innovations giant Singapore.
„There are not many solutions similar to Zabbix in the world,
but it does not mean that we have few rivals. On the contrary,
there are many competitive companies, yet this notwithstanding, Zabbix has been able to take the leading position in, for
instance, Japan, Brazil and of course Latvia.”
The company notes that winning the LIAA award has further increased the company’s popularity and therefore the number of the company’s clients in Latvia. Zabbix Ltd. considers the achievement an award for its hard work, which gave it new
vigour and motivation to continue product development and upgrades.
PureChocolate Ltd.
Chocolate truffles
PureChocolate was established in 2007 with the aim of utilizing the experience accumulated by professionals over the years to find the ideal chocolate truffle taste.
The result of the company’s careful selection of ingredients, creative approach and
teamwork is an exclusive collection of chocolate truffles, which have already found
clients in 19 countries around the world.
„Our most important export markets – Russia, Estonia and
Germany. We are also working on gaining more ground in
the US and Scandinavian markets. This year has been important in entering the markets of the Arabian Peninsula – it is
a specific market, where excellent chocolate truffles without
alcohol are in demand.”
PureChocolate last year experienced a major increase in production volume, i.e. 88
tons of chocolate truffles were made, compared to 40 tons in 2011. The company
has 220 tons planned for this year.
Pēteris Žimants, PureChocolate Ltd.
„This summer, we opened up a new
chocolate plant in the village of Pūre,
investing EUR 4.26 million. It is a brand
new building with modern production
lines, where we will produce chocolate
truffles, as well as a wide range of different chocolate products. We plan on producing up to 220 tons of truffles in the
new production plant already this year.”
Website: www.purechocolate.eu.com
Export countries: Lithuania,
Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan,
Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia,
Czech Republic, Australia, Norway,
Denmark, Finland, Sweden, USA, Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait, Japan
In order to promote the company’s products and increase export opportunities, PureChocolate regularly participates in the largest industry exhibitions „Sweet&Snacksexpo” (USA), „ISM” (Germany), „GulFood” (Dubai).
„Participation in the Investment and Development Agency of
Latvia’s competition is an important event for the company
in its cooperation with potential and current partners. Success in the competition gives us the opportunity to create
additional positive impressions about us, as well as helps us
develop relations with our partners.”
The company’s future plans include the development of various new products,
which would substantially increase PureChocolate’s assortment outside the truffle, chocolate and confectionary categories. The company has already added a new
product to the market – truffle filling without sugar, which tastes identical to regular chocolate truffles.
2013 has been defined by the company as a year of investment. Next year is expected to be characterised by a surge, with turnover doubled in all markets. This is to be
reached thanks to the new chocolate factory, opened in the end of the summer.
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Aloja Starkelsen Ltd.
Potato starch, dried fruit gelatine, jelly and other products
Aloja Starkelsen is the largest manufacturer of potato starch in the Baltic States. In
recent years the company has doubled its production volume, exporting a majority of its products. Aloja Starkelsen has been manufacturing organic potato starch
from Latvian-grown potatoes since 2008. In just a few years, the company has become one of the largest makers of this type of product in the world.
Aloja Starkelsen is located in northern Latvia, not far from the town of Aloja. It is
a joint Latvian-Swedish venture established on the basis of an old factory in June
1991 as the first Latvian food company with foreign capital. The company offers self-produced consumer products. Its main products are potato starch, from potatoes grown in both organic and integrated modes, baking
powder, vanilla sugar, dried fruit gelatine and jellies.
„Aloja Starkelsen is one of the three largest manufacturers of
organic potato starch in the world. The company produces
more than 2,000 tonnes of potato starch each year. Its potato
starch is exported to Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, USA,
Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland.”
Jānis Garančs, Aloja Starkelsen Ltd.
Director General:
„Partners’ mutual trust is of huge
importance on export markets. For a
new company without an experienced
partner, it is not easy to achieve. Over
the past three years Aloja Starkelsen
has become one of the leading manufacturers of organic potato starch in
the world, thanks to close cooperation
with the experienced company Organic Food Finland and efficient support
from the Investment and Development
Agency of Latvia.”
Website: www.culinar.lv, www.alojas.lv
Export countries: Lithuania, Estonia,
Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany,
France, the Netherlands, USA, Belarus,
the Czech Republic
18
In addition to self-made products, Aloja Starkelsen also represents the products of
several of Europe’s largest manufacturers of food raw materials in the Baltic States.
Their variety is vast, for example – gelatines, egg powders, pectins and other raw
materials important for the industry.
Aloja Starkelsen exports 80% of its production. The company has cooperation partners in Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, USA, the Czech Republic and Belarus. The company’s production facilities are certified in accordance
with BRC, EU organic, NOP and Kocher standards.
„Our capacity allows us to expand partner ranks in Europe,
Asia, North America and South America, as well as launching
long-term cooperation on other markets worldwide.”
NPK Terminālis Ltd.
Fertilizers – production, blending, packing and export
NPK Terminālis Ltd. specializes in producing complex fertilizers. The company’s advantage is smart organization of logistics chains, using railways for shipping raw
materials from the East and sea routes for directly supplying its products to such
exotic countries as Chad, Rwanda and Tanzania.
The company’s production facility is located in Liepāja, where various complex
fertilizer formulas are blended based on individual requests. The company has developed more than 150 different types of fertilizers that are used to grow cotton,
coffee, cocoa, tobacco, tea, rapeseed, wheat and other crops in many countries
worldwide.
„We export around 90% of our products. The company’s fertilizer mixes are used not only by Latvian farms but also on
football pitches Daugava in Liepāja and Skonto in Rīga and
golf courses in Sweden.”
In creating a new product, particular attention is paid to the quality of packaging
and design. Modern packaging design trends are taken into account. Our packaging is made from cardboard, which is an environmentally-friendly material.
Ģirts Cēlājs, NPK Terminālis Ltd.
Member of the Board and Director:
„We are delighted that state institutions pay attention to our needs and
help develop new export markets. In
our work, we have met responsive people who have provided valuable pieces
of advice and have shared contacts.
I believe that the acquisition of new
export markets has been facilitated
by successful cooperation with state
institutions.”
Participation in the Export and Innovation Award 2012 means not only recognition
of the company’s accomplishments at the national level, it also plays a huge role in
motivating the company’s employees and organizing their tasks.
„Our success is based on persistent work and direct contacts
with buyers. It does not matter whether they live in Africa or
Japan, we always try to visit and talk to them to understand
their needs. If any shortcomings arise we offer the best solutions. This approach makes business more tangible.”
Website: www.npkterminalis.com
Export countries: Cameroon, Chad,
Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi,
Mozambique, Sweden, Estonia,
Germany, Japan
19
Category Innovative
Product
1st place – Tilde Ltd. for machine translation
technology LetsMT!
2nd place – JSC Spodrība for ecological household chemicals line
Eco Seal for Nature
3rd place – Madara Cosmetics Ltd. for anti-aging cosmetics line
Time Miracle
Recognition:
Bogema Lingerie Ltd. for nursing bra Tilde Ltd.
Machine translation technology LetsMT!
Tilde is the leading technology localisation company in the Baltics; the localisation
system developed by the company ensures high-quality machine translation for
small languages too, for example, the quality of translation from English to Latvian,
Lithuanian and Estonian surpasses the quality of the more-popular Google and
Bing translators.
„The LetsMT! platform hosts more than 130 translation systems and provides translation in over one hundred languages. The technology makes it possible, with the help of statistical algorithms, to “learn” how to translate large texts. Platform users can “teach” their systems and create a machine
translator that suits their individual needs.”
Tilde programmes have become very popular in the Baltic countries where they are
used by more than 350,000 licensed computer users. Tilde applications for mobile
platforms are used by dozens of thousands of smartphone users. Whereas the Tilde
Online Encyclopaedia and the language portal letonika.lv has more than 500,000
visitors annually. Tilde is also the developer of Latvia’s most popular accounting
system, Tildes Jumis.
AndrejsVasiļjevs, Tilde Ltd. Head:
“The fact that Latvia is a small country
and that only a couple million people
speak Latvian is advantageous to us.
It prompts us to seek new solutions so
that quality results could be achieved
by investing much less human resources. That is how we have created an innovative technology that is well suited
for not just Latvian but also other languages. The LetsMT! platform has attracted vast international interest, and
we are proud that it has received the
Latvia’s Innovative Product award.”
Website: www.tilde.lv,
www.tilde.com
Export countries: EU, USA, Russia
Tilde software products and services are exported to the European Union countries,
USA, Russia and other countries.
„The knowledge and competence that has been acquired in
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia may be used for the development of global solutions, however, our focus will still be on
Latvia. Although there are more growth opportunities in foreign markets, Latvia is our home market, which will be the
first to be offered our best solutions.”
Much of Tilde’s efforts go into research, so the latest achievements may be transformed into solutions used by many people. Five doctors of science are on staff at
Tilde, and the results of the researches have been published in multiple scientific
articles. The company also actively co-operates and does joint research with the
leading European research centres: the University of Edinburgh, the University of
Copenhagen, the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and many others.
21
JSC Spodrība
Ecological household chemicals line Eco Seal for Nature
Spodrība is the oldest manufacturer of cleaning and cosmetic products in Latvia, as
well as the first manufacturer in the Baltic States to start producing organic cleaning and cosmetic products. The new products are a step toward green thinking –
they do not contain colourants, phosphates, allergens, or unnecessary preservatives, and are safe for both humans and the environment.
„We are not facing strong competition on the local market,
yet we do not rest on our laurels. Consumers always expect
innovations, which is why we are keeping track of what our
rivals are doing, trying to be one step ahead of them. At the
same time, we keep our time-tested values and quality intact,
which has always been the cornerstone of our products.”
Spodrība products are exported to Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
The numbers of exported product units and the types thereof differ from one country to another. What is more important is that the demand for Spodrība products
keeps growing and it continues to receive regular orders from abroad.
Baiba Megre-Ansviesule,
JSC Spodrība Director:
„We see our further development in
export, therefore it is particularly important to invest in the development
of our product lines and ranges. The
greatest challenge at this time is to
foster public awareness of the effect
that household cleaning and washing
products have on human health and
the environment, turning the spotlight
on the confirmation of such products’
quality on the international level – the
Ecoflower certificate, which guarantees
that a given product is made of high
quality, non-damaging ingredients.”
Website: www.seal.lv
Export countries: Russia, Ukraine,
Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia
22
During the next five years, the company plans to become one of top ten producers
of quality and environmentally-friendly household cleaning and detergent products in Europe. This will be achieved through the development of the ecological
product line Eco Seal for Nature, which will also be targeted at consumers in Western European countries.
„We do believe that Spodrība, being the largest and most
experienced manufacturer of cleaning products, is capable
of changing the market and the way of thinking in Latvia.
Therefore winning 2nd place in the competition’s category Innovative Product gives us an excellent opportunity to
make ourselves heard and to foster wider recognition of the
new, ecological products.”
The new ecological products from Spodrība have also received other awards: the
Environmental Award for contribution to the introduction of environmentallyfriendly solutions, as well as Innovative Product award for good results in the creation of new products. Also, Eco Seal for Nature has become the Trade Mark of the
Year - For the World.
Madara Cosmetics Ltd.
Anti-aging cosmetics line Time Miracle
Natural cosmetics manufacturer Madara Cosmetics uses active substances from
plants growing in the north, applying innovative solutions. In the company’s six
years of existence, its product range has expanded to include more than 40 products. The main ingredient of the company’s prize-winning Time Miracle product
line is Latvian birch juice, which facilitates collagen synthesis in skin, cell growth
and protects against the harmful effects of the environment.
Over the past few years, Madara Cosmetics has conducted a series of studies in
cooperation with Latvia’s best research institutions to develop innovative products
using local raw materials.
„Madara Cosmetics is a patriotic company that cares about
Latvia’s image. With our operations, we try to popularize
Latvia. At the same time, our goal is to become one of the
most well-known manufacturers of natural cosmetics in
Europe.”
Uldis Iltners,
Madara Cosmetics Ltd. Director:
“There are many unique resources in
Latvia – nature, traditions, skills, people. Combing them all with the highest quality, we create products that
are competitive in the entire world.
Madara Cosmetics products include
Latvian values, and we are proud of the
country we come from.”
Website:
www.madaracosmetics.com
Export countries: Finland, Denmark,
Switzerland, Germany, Austria,
the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania,
UK, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, France, Japan,
Hong Kong, China and South Korea
Madara Cosmetics brand is widely recognized in Scandinavia, especially in Finland
and Denmark. The company also exports its production to Switzerland, Germany,
Austria, the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, UK, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, France, as well
as the countries of Asia – Japan, Hong Kong, China and South Korea.
Taking part in the competition alongside Latvia’s strongest export companies was
a big challenge for Madara Cosmetics and third place in the category Innovative
Product is a great honour. The company actively takes advantage of available state
support programs to participate in international exhibitions, develop products and
grow. This helps highlight the unique qualities in Latvia and attract the attention of
the entire world.
„Quality, which is the most important value for Madara Cosmetics, is reflected in product development, manufacturing,
client service and responsibility towards the environment
and consumers. In our operations, we constantly introduce
the most modern solutions in the natural cosmetics sector
and study unique raw materials and product compositions.”
23
Bogema Lingerie Ltd.
Nursing bra
Bogema Lingerie Ltd. was established in Liepāja in January 2010. The company
found a new niche in the market – creating beautiful lingerie for young women before and after giving birth. The company’s products became highly popular in just a
few years, and are currently exported to Russia, United Kingdom, France, Australia,
Lithuania, Germany and the Netherlands.
The manufacturing process of Bogema Lingerie bras involves innovative silver ion
treatment and Ancient Egypt discoveries – silver threads are combined with cotton
fibres. The material forms the inner lining of the product, enhancing its therapeutic
function and offering anti-bacterial protection.
„The competitiveness of a product is determined by its design, quality and price that meets European requirements.
Given that our geographic location is closer to Russia and
Europe, we have stable export to these markets, where our
products are believed to be on par with other top brands.”
Svetlana Gaile, Bogema Lingerie Ltd.
Executive Director:
„The arrival of a baby is a wonderful
time for a new mom, but it also marks
the beginning of a new period in life.
Our products carry a positive message:
„You are beautiful and charming, just
the way you are now”. Each of our partners has been growing together with
us. In essence, we are a manufacturing
company, therefore we prefer to cooperate with countries that know how
to sell and where our products are in
higher demand.”
Website: www.bogemalv.com
Turnover (2012): EUR 241 000
Export countries: Russia, UK, France,
Australia, Lithuania, Germany,
the Netherlands
24
The company’s future vision becomes reality quite quickly: every year following visits to fairs, the company’s products also reach locations much further away from
Latvia. The company’s main objective is to maintain stability in the future.
Thanks to the company’s co-operation with the Kurzeme Business Incubator, established by the state to help new and promising start-ups make their first steps in business, a new logo has been designed for the company. There have been promotional
photo sessions, a catalogue of the company’s products has been released, packaging design for the company’s products was developed, and several market studies
were carried out and the company’s employees could attend training courses.
„Participation in the competition made us all feel like members of a team – we knew we were not alone and that we
were on the right track. Innovation is our life, because the
market is oversaturated. To find a place in the market, we
must constantly keep track of what is new, and be the leader.
Our recognition in the competition attests to investments in
development and research of innovations. This recognition
is of international importance – if you are respected in your
country, others will respect you too.”
Category Import
Substitute Product
1st place – JSC Dobeles Dzirnavnieks for Presto and
Dobeles Dzirnavnieks pastas
2nd place – Evopipes Ltd. for plastic pipes for engineering
communications infrastructure
3rd place – JSC Smiltenes Piens for whey protein concentrate Piena spēks
(“Milk Power”)
Recognition:
iMedia Ltd. for e-mail marketing service Mailigen
JSC Latfood for potato chips, sweet and savory snacks
Liko-R Ltd. for eyeglass lenses
JSC Dobeles Dzirnavnieks
Presto and Dobeles Dzirnavnieks pastas
Dobeles Dzirnavnieks was established in 1994. It is one of the leading grain processing companies in the Baltic States, processing more than 100,000 tonnes each year.
The company’s main operational directions are production of all types of wheat
flour, semolina, flour mixtures, pasta, grain flakes, grits and animal feed.
„Constant investment in production, the search for new operational directions, highly qualified and loyal personnel, as
well as active operations on export and local markets are the
basis of successful operations.”
The company dates back to 1976, when the first grain silo and high-capacity drying
kiln were built in Dobele. Dobeles Dzirnavnieks was transformed into a joint-stock
company in 1991. A high-capacity short form pasta plant was opened in Dobele in
2012 – the only one in Latvia and the most modern one in the Baltic States.
Dobeles Dzirnavnieks currently uses two types of raw materials in pasta production.
Presto pasta is produced from soft wheat flour, Dobeles Dzirnavnieks – from hard
wheat flour. The company also plans to create a line of spaghetti in the future.
Kristaps Amsils, JSC Dobeles
Dzirnavnieks Chairman of the Board:
„The Latvian market remains the company’s priority. Therefore, we highly
appreciate our pasta’s nomination as
Import Substitute Product. It makes us
continue what we have started. At the
moment, work is in progress to complete Dobeles Dzirnavnieks’ spaghetti
production line so that buyers would
be able to see spaghetti produced in
Dobele on store shelves already this
autumn. Each competition allows us to
mobilize and evaluate ourselves from a
different angle.”
Website: www.dzirnavnieks.lv
Export countries: Estonia, Lithuania,
Poland, the Netherlands, Thailand,
Gambia, Angola
26
„Over the past three years, taking into account Latvia’s limited market, the company’s strategic goal has been to increase
turnover on export markets, which has been successfully
fulfilled. Our main export goods are flour and now, pasta.
Products for local and export markets are adapted to client
requirements. Moreover, the efficient production process
ensures competitive prices.”
At the moment, the company’s main export countries are Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and other European countries. There is also good potential for export to the
so-called third world countries with excellent export precursors.
Evopipes Ltd.
Plastic pipes for engineering communications infrastructure
The plastic pipe manufacturer launched its business in 2005 when Modulex-Invest
Jelgava Ltd. was established in Jelgava with the aim to develop pipe manufacturing
industry in Latvia. The idea of building a production facility was proposed after it
was established that transport costs accounted for up to one-third of the imported
pipes’ price, therefore it would be rational to make the pipes in Latvia. At the end of
2008, the company was renamed Evopipes Ltd. so the company’s products could
be marketed internationally.
At the moment, the company, whose turnover on the Latvian market increased
more than twofold last year, is focussed on the development and production of innovative and efficiency-raising products. By 2015, Evopipes is planning to increase
its annual production and sales volumes to EUR 30 million.
„When investments are made in the construction of a facility’s pipe system, material costs account for up to 20% of total investment, therefore quality and durability of the pipe
system is of utmost importance.”
Edgars Viļķins, Evopipes Ltd.
„Evopipes has been successfully cooperating with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia for several
years already, and the company has a
very high opinion of this co-operation,
and takes great pride in the employees’
professional vision for fostering longterm development with Latvian businessmen. We also have a high opinion
of LIAA’s recognition we have earned at
several competitions.”
Website: www.evopipes.lv
Export countries: Estonia, Lithuania,
Russia, Poland, Finland, Sweden,
Denmark, Norway, Belarus,
the Netherlands, UK, Kuwait
Evopipes makes and distributes products for wiring, cable protection, telecommunication cable protection, cold water supply system development, heating system
development, gas supply, building sewerage, wastewater sewage, rainwater drain
systems, square and building foundation drain systems.
The company notes that the basic values in Evopipes business include professionalism of employees, continious growth and constant search for opportunities to
improve product quality. The company’s concept of export development plans to
place emphasis on upgrading innovation products’ design.
„One of the greatest values of Evopipes is its close-knit team
of professionals, which is the most important asset.”
For expansion in new export markets, the company participates in international
fairs, visits prospective clients and carries out market researches, whereas export
countries are chosen depending on the demand for a particular product in a given
country.
27
JSC Smiltenes piens
Whey protein concentrate Piena spēks (“Milk Power”)
JSC Smiltenes piens is one of the largest and oldest dairy processing companies in
Latvia, operating for nearly 100 years. Smiltenes pienotava was established in 1912.
In 1998, it was reorganized into JSC Smiltenes piens.
Piena spēks, the company’s product submitted for the competition, is derived from
whey by separating valuable proteins. Piena spēks combines the benefits of cultured dairy products and the ability of protein concentrates to strengthen immunity, particularly during periods of heightened physical and mental exertion.
„Smiltenes piens team is always ready for new and challenging ideas. We are investing in new production equipment,
choosing the most up-to-date technologies in the industry
and trying to attract the European Union’s funding. For example, the whey processing project was implemented by attracting EU funds.”
Gita Mūrniece, JSC Smiltenes piens
Chairwoman of the Board:
„Participation in the competition, organized by the Investment and
Development Agency of Latvia, reassures us that we are working in the
right direction and our new product is
acknowledged and appreciated. With
support from the agency, we have
participated in several international
exhibitions and have achieved results
together. Of course, there have also
been less successful activities, however,
it can be explained by the specifics of
each country, which can be learned by
participating in exhibitions.”
Website: www.smiltenespiens.lv
Export countries: Russia, Moldova,
Estonia, Lithuania, USA, Israel
28
Smiltenes piens performs a full milk processing cycle – milk purchasing, processing,
dairy product manufacturing and selling. More than 150 farmers from Valka, Cēsis,
Gulbene, Madona, Limbaži, Alūksne and Valmiera regions supply high quality milk
to the company.
Smiltenes piens is the only company in Latvia and the nearest neighbour countries that produces the special and exclusive cheese “Latvijas” and its slightly spicier
brother ”Bakšteins”. Semi-hard cheese constitutes 80% of the company’s turnover
and the company also produces milk, kefir, butter, sour cream, cream, skimmed
milk, whole milk curd and curd products. Cheese whey processing was launched in
2011 and with it – manufacturing of innovative and healthy products – Piena spēks,
lactose, glucose and galactose syrup. The company currently continues to develop
its whey products.
„The company’s main values are natural and quality production, clients, suppliers, employees and impeccable reputation.”
iMedia Ltd.
E-mail marketing service Mailigen
The company iMedia has developed an e-mail marketing system called Mailigen
that successfully competes with similar products abroad. The system offers users to
set up a database, improve communication with clients or find out what they are interested in. The platform includes a string of functions, for example, online surveys
and dynamic content, making it a unique product in the world’s marketing scene.
„The product that we entered in the competition had been
launched on the market in 2010. Initially, Mailigen was only
meant to operate as an e-mail marketing service, but it has
been developing at a fast pace and now has gone beyond
the boundaries of the traditional e-mail marketing, becoming a platform that combines e-mail, mobile and social network marketing.”
About 90% of Mailigen users are foreign clients, whereas Latvian clients make up
the remaining 10%. On the Latvian market, Mailigen is the leading provider of email marketing services. The main target markets abroad include the USA, China,
India and CIS countries – Russia and Ukraine. Mailigen is currently exported to more
than 70 countries in five continents.
Artūrs Bernovskis,
iMedia Ltd. Chairman of the Board:
„We are pleased to receive the recognition in the competition, as the example
of our exports can also motivate other
Latvian start-ups. State support has
been of great importance to us, as it
made it possible for us to participate in
international fairs and to present our
brand abroad.”
Website: www.imedia.lv
Turnover (2012): EUR 399 000
Export countries: USA, China, India,
Russia, Canada, UAE and other
countries, more than 70 in total
The company believes that, given that the Internet environment is a market with
immense information capacity, the simple development of an online website or
portal is like blinking in the dark, where you are the only one who knows about your
existence. iMedia gives every company the opportunity to make its brand name
stand out in the Internet information jungle and to create long-term relations with
its clients.
„Online marketing is one of the most dynamic and changeable business environments. What is hot today will be a thing
of the past tomorrow, therefore our work, team and ideas
are dynamic too. Innovations are of crucial importance for
a small Latvian company to be able to compete with global
giants. We have created a unique marketing platform with
a large number of functions and solutions that we offer to
global business leaders.”
The E-mail marketing service Mailigen is currently available in six languages:
Latvian, English, Russian, Estonian, Chinese and Persian. The system will also be
available in other languages, for instance, German, Spanish and French.
29
JSC Latfood
Potato chips, sweet and savory snacks
JSC Latfood is the leading Latvian potato processing company whose core business
is production and distribution of potato chips, salty and sweet snacks. The company was established in 1993 and its products are known under two brands: Ādažu
čipsi, which in 2012 placed third in Latvia’s Favourite Brand Top in the sweets and
snacks category, and Taffel, the company’s brand for exported products.
The high quality of Latfood products is guaranteed by the raw materials: oil, spices,
and potato grown specifically for the company by twenty Latvian farms. On the domestic market, Latfood sells Ādažu čipsi, whereas products under the brand Taffel
are sold not only in Europe, but also in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Australia.
„The company’s turnover is growing on an annual basis, creating new development opportunities. Taking and keeping
the high position on local and export markets is ensured by
the responsibility to our clients, importance of innovations,
green thinking and high quality standards on each pack of
chips.”
Valdis Blūms, JSC Latfood
„Participating in the Export and Innovation Award 2012, the company used
the opportunity to take a detached
look at its results and to compare them
with other companies’ experience. It
was also a chance to remind consumers and co-operation partners about
ourselves. Thanks to the competition,
internal motivation rose at the company, because every employee was
pleased at the high recognition.”
Website: www.cipsi.lv
Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan,
Turkmenistan, UK, Ireland,
the Netherlands
30
Latfood regularly invests in modernisation of production facilities, thereby creating
new development opportunities and offers to consumers. The company supplies
its products to 300 wholesale and retail outlets every day. The team of Latfood sales
representatives make sure that all orders are timely processed by making systematic visits to the existing clients and looking for new co-operation partners.
„On the Latvian market, Latfood is a stable market leader in
the potato chips and salty snacks segment, but by 2018 we
are planning to become the leader in the Baltics by also attaining the number one spot in Estonia and Lithuania.”
Five potato varieties are used in the production of Ādažu čipsi and Taffel products:
Saturna, Marlena, Lady Claire, Lady Rosetta, and Verdi. The main criterion when a
new potato variety is considered for cultivation is high quality of chips that will be
made of the potatoes, as well as long storage life. Of great importance is the variety’s suitability for the climatic conditions of Latvia – and high yield. The company
is planning to deepen co-operation with Latvian farms in the future, because the
volume of potatoes bought from the farms will significantly increase in two to three
years.
Liko-R Ltd.
Eeyeglass lenses
Liko-R was established in 1993. Initially, the company’s main area of operation was
to distribute products made by the Italian company Luxottica Group in the Baltics.
However, in 2005, the company began to develop and manufacture glass lenses
with high added value. Using the latest equipment, with highly precise digital lens
technologies, Liko-R manufactures specialized lenses for individual orders, meant
for persons with complicated vision problems.
The advanced glass lenses manufactured by Liko-R solve two problems at once, as
they easily blend the transition from looking into the distance and reading up close,
while at the same time look like regular spherical glass lenses.
„The company continues to closely follow along the latest
glass lens technologies, as well as the most modern materials
used to manufacture lenses. Thanks to our extensive circle of
cooperation partners, we are always the first in the Baltics to
offer the latest in optical trends.”
The company sees good opportunities in the Russian and Belarus markets, as the
distribution of advanced glass lenses in these countries is at a lower level than in
the Baltics due to their complexity.
Linards Kovaļevskis,
Liko-R Ltd. Director:
„The main advantage of our company
is the ability to manufacture highquality glass lenses in a short period of
time. We also offer direct consultations
on the most suitable glass lenses for
each individual order, as well as manufacture more complicated products, for
example, sunglasses with diopter lenses. Our motto is – a safe and healthy
view on the world.”
Website: www.likor.lv
Russia, Belarus
The main condition which determines the selection of export markets is knowledge of the optical markets in these countries, as well as previous experience working
in these markets. The main priority of Liko-R is to increase sales volumes of its manufactured glass lenses, as well as to continue increasing the proportion of exported products. In 2011, this proportion reached 11% of total turnover, in 2012 – 15%,
while it should see a two-fold increase in 2013, the company predicts.
„Participation in competition and the praise we have received have been very good, and there is constant incentive
for us to achieve our export goals, so that in the coming years
Liko-R could participate in these competitions as a leading
exporting company.”
Liko-R employs experienced specialists who are experts in their field. Furthermore,
the company also utilizes support instruments from other countries and the EU to
attract new employees, as well as to train current employees.
31
Category Industrial Design
1st place – Rīgas Krēslu fabrika Ltd. for stool Bloom
2nd place – A.DEW Ltd. for HUGU teddy bear
3rd place – Daiļrade koks Ltd. for home office furniture ELF
Recognition:
Dekoru fabrika Ltd. for wooden scooter Duksis
Latvijas Humusvielu institūts Ltd. for product line
Humate Green OK
MWF Ltd. for toy-chair Pally
Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika Ltd.
Stool Bloom
Since 1999, Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika (Riga Chair Factory) has been producing highquality and ergonomic office chairs. The company believes that it is very important for the chair user to feel good and comfortable while sitting. When producing
their various chair models, the factory’s specialists choose only the highest quality
mechanisms and durable materials.
The company’s competition entry – a line of stools called Bloom, is extremely light
and made of wavy plywood. The name of the stool was inspired by its flower shaped
form.
When developing new products, Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika pays much attention to details, functionality, comfort, as well as effectiveness in the manufacturing process.
Furthermore, as an advantage of being a local company, Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika offers
complete service after sale – the company provides perfect lifetime quality of the
chair during the warranty period, as well as after it expires.
„The goal of Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika in the near future is to create a recognizable brand throughout Europe in shaped plywood furniture.”
Aldis Circenis, Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika
Ltd. Chairman of the Board:
„We choose our export markets after
analyzing consumer attitude towards
design. As we classify products as similar to Scandinavian esthetics and mindset, the direction of our export becomes almost automatic. This is mainly
Western Europe, USA and Australia.”
Website: www.rkf.lv
Turnover (2012): EUR 657 000
Export countries: Finland, Sweden,
Denmark, Germany, France, UK,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy,
Australia
The production process itself is complicated due to the unpredictability of the materials used. One of the characteristics of the designer furniture market is limited
sales volume, due to the reason that a distribution network is made up of several
stages. Hence the final price consumers pay is substantially higher.
„Coming up with good designs for new products is often a
very innovative process in and of itself. To put together complicated shapes and effective elements, it is usually necessary
to take an original and unprecedented approach. In order to
ensure this, the qualification and enthusiasm of our employees is of huge importance. This characteristic is also a perfect
way to describe those working at Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika.”
Rīgas Krēslu Fabrika’s cooperation with the state has been highly successful, for example, with the support from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia,
the company has participated in three international exhibitions in Europe, as well
as implemented a project which supports the introduction of new products for
manufacturing. Meanwhile, participation and success in the Export and Innovation
Award 2012 has provided the company with additional confidence that the path it
has taken was the right one.
33
A.Dew Ltd.
HUGU teddy bear
A.Dew is a new textile company. It was established in 2010. The company’s main
operational direction is a hand-knitted teddy bear with a specifically-developed
design concept and brand name - HUGU.
The HUGU teddy bear, the company’s product submitted for the competition, is
knitted according to a special pattern and stuffed with genuine Latvian wool. Each
teddy bear’s face and design is unique handwork with delicate details – Swarovski
crystal eyes and paws felted with a special needle and technique.
„From a business perspective, the HUGU teddy bear is a complicated product with a time-consuming production cycle,
limited production capacity and special marketing, requiring
extra attention and investment.”
A high quality audio system, capable of recording and storing natural voice recordings, lies in the heart of HUGU. The audio system is also made in Latvia and is
individually tested several times before the product is deemed ready.
Being made in Latvia, HUGU popularizes Latvia abroad and is available in Japan,
USA, the Netherlands, Germany and soon also in Russia.
Lauris Rasa, A.Dew Ltd. Head:
„When thinking about export, it is
necessary to take into account that
each country has its own specifics for
cooperation connected with distribution, logistics and certification matters.
Therefore, it is highly important for the
of Latvia to have greater opportunities
of organizing various national display
stands, giving new companies a chance to show themselves.”
Website: www.hugu.lv
Turnover (2012): EUR 25 000
Number of employees on contract
basis (2012): 20
Export countries: Japan, USA, Russia,
the Netherlands and Germany
34
HUGU team knows that some people around the world find such teddy bears interesting and special, because HUGU includes those personal and human emotions
that are granted to the teddy bear by the one presenting it as a gift.
„HUGU’s most important mission is to record and store true,
sincere human feelings that we want to pass on to people
that are close to us, our loved ones. Therefore it is not only
a high quality exclusive design product, but also something
very special for everyone ever to receive it.”
A.Dew is primarily interested in Russian, USA and UAE markets, where it is necessary to participate in exhibitions to match the company’s specifics and operations.
Daiļrade koks Ltd.
Home office furniture ELF
The company began making the product participating in the competition – the
home office furniture ELF, in May of 2012, and received the first order from Germany’s Baur Versand in the autumn of the same year. The furniture collection is
ideal for setting up small spaces, and has achieved renown among clients from not
only Germany, but also Austria and Netherlands. The furniture is manufactured
from curved laminated birch plywood, and the trim is made of easy-to-clean and
durable plastic. The furniture was designed by Miks Pētersons.
The ELF collection includes a table, chair, filing cabinets of various sizes, and a TV
and wall shelf. At the moment, prospective clients from France, Switzerland and
Lithuania are inquiring about the collection.
„We pay great attention to investment planning and production management, and are very careful in choosing and implementing new technologies to attain the highest quality of
our products.”
Andris Jansons, Daiļrade koks Ltd.
„The company’s basic values include
being modern, flexible and a quality
leader in terms of product design and
client service, as well as being a reliable
co-operation partner and the best employer in the industry, with an efficient
employee motivation system.”
Website: www.dailrade.lv
Turnover (2012): EUR 13 million
Export countries: Finland, Germany,
Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands,
USA
Daiļrade koks was established in 1994 and has by now become one of the leading furniture producers in Latvia. The company specialises in making furniture from
solid pine and birch and furniture from painted MDF and veneered particleboard.
According to clients’ wishes, the furniture may be treated with lacquer, oil, stain,
wax or paint. Besides furniture production, the company also deals wholesale and
retail trade of furniture parts and various finishing materials.
„Although production of curved laminated plywood involves high start-up costs, the company has appreciated the
opportunities provided by own-design products, and it has
done everything in its power to launch serial production of
its products.”
The company uses only top-quality wood, furniture parts and finishing materials.
One advantage of Daiļrade koks is that several materials may be combined in making a product, which makes the company very flexible when it comes to clients’
requirements.
The key to Daiļrade koks success is its long-time and successful co-operation with
furniture importers in Germany, Denmark, Finland, USA and other countries, which
made it possible for the company to increase its export volumes and turnover on
an annual basis.
35
Dekoru fabrika Ltd.
Wooden scooter Duksis
Dekoru fabrika Ltd. started out in 2009 as a wood carving restoration workshop,
bringing to the market gifts and souvenirs, as well as professional high-quality
wood carvings. At the moment, its main business line is manufacture of wood carvings, souvenirs, design elements, laser engraving and 3D scanning.
Dekoru fabrika is creative in everything it does, therefore it is
always pleased to meet the individual needs of a customer.
The company’s products are made of local wood, and one of
the company’s main principles is to foster the sales of Latviamade products and support the use of environment and human-friendly materials.
The company is constantly developing and making new products. The idea of Duksis, a wooden scooter made of sturdy birch plywood that was nominated to participate in the competition, goes back to childhood memories. Duksis is a comfortable
vehicle meant for kids one and a half to four years old.
Juris Ozols, Dekoru fabrika Ltd.
„We take our greatest pleasure and joy
in that we can do work that we love
and are passionate about. And the
pleasure is double when our efforts are
also recognised by other people. The
positive feedback of clients and prestigious awards, such as the Export and
Innovation Award that is organised by
the LIAA.”
Website: www.dekorufabrika.lv
Export countries: Denmark, Germany,
and company’s products are also
marketed, via co-operation partners
and Latvian clients, in Norway,
Portugal, Egypt
36
The company believes that much can be achieved by combining time-tested
knowledge and traditional carpentry expertise with the opportunities offered by
modern technologies, creativity, diligence and enterprise.
„Our strength lies in our roots and our professional team,
whereas the key to future success is positive thinking and
progressive technologies.”
One of the greatest Dekoru fabrika achievements is the restoration work at the Riga
Bourse building, where the historic wood carving elements were restored with utmost precision. The project was implemented by combining traditional woodcarvers’ skills with modern and progressive 3D scanning equipment and opportunities
offered by programmable workstations.
Similar technology is employed by Dekoru fabrika to restore wood carvings on
chairs and machine-turned wooden parts at the Riga Castle according to authentic
samples. The company is planning to produce and assemble chairs for the Riga castle in co-operation with carpentry section of RE&RE Ltd.
Latvijas humusvielu institūts Ltd.
Product line Humate Green OK
Latvijas humusvielu institūts (Latvian Institute of Humic Substances) was established with the aim to develop innovative technologies, making it possible to make
products containing humic substances that could be extensively used in agriculture. The product’s package design was created so the product can be easily recognised, convenient to use and able to withstand the influence of direct light and
temperature fluctuations.
„The innovative technologies developed at the institute enable the use of Latvian humus in the production of organic
and organomineral fertilisers containing humic substances.”
The product line Humate Green OK, that was nominated for the award, includes
high-quality, natural, human and environmentally-friendly organic fertilisers that
contain natural humic substances. The fertilisers provide a richer and healthier harvest and a brighter blooming garden with less expenditure.
Latvijas Humusvielu institūts opened its production facility in 2010, launching the
production and sale of products under the Humate Green OK brand name began.
Oļegs Kukainis,
Latvijas humusvielu institūts Ltd.
Head:
„Taking into consideration our production capacity, in the future the institute
is planning to conduct research on
the use of humic substances in other
industries, too, for instance, in cattle
breeding, veterinary medicine, recultivation and cosmetics. That is why the
company is actively looking for co-operation partners, both in the research
on humic substances, development
and implementation of new technologies, as well as development of business co-operation.”
Website: www.greenok.lv
Poland, UK, Africa
By employing a unique cavitation technology in humus treatment, the company
achieved that the Humate Green OK product contains no less than 20 grams of
humic substances per litre. The company is planning to put out at least 1,000 tons
of the product annually.
Several research studies have confirmed that the Humate Green OK product possesses biological activity, that the product contains microflora that has a favourable
effect on growth of plants, and that it may be used in practice in agriculture.
At the moment, Latvijas humusvielu institūts research and product development
are targeted at agricultural use of the product. A number of studies have been carried out in collaboration with scientific research organisations of Latvia to determine the biological efficiency of Humate Green OK, and the researchers found that
Humate Green OK has outstanding biological activity and can be used in practice
in agriculture.
„At the moment, we are looking at the possibility of also using humic substances in the cosmetic industry and in production of construction supplies.”
37
MWF Ltd.
Toy-chair Pally
MWF Ltd. is a new company, established in 2011. The company’s main products are
solid wood kitchen furniture, living room and bedroom suites, tables, beds, stairs
and children’s furniture. The company also manufactures traditional yet exclusive
country-style kitchen furniture.
Pally, the company’s toy-chair submitted for the competition, is a successful design
product that can be used as a toy or a seat, since it is made of coloured wooden
pegs. The product was created by Finnish designer Laura Väinölä. Pally stimulates
the imagination, spurs creative thinking, develops memory and is intended for children above the age of three. Local wood materials are used in the product’s manufacture.
„The company’s goal – to operate on export markets - was
defined the moment it was established. This strategy was
chosen not only due to the local market being too small. Operations on several markets diversify risks.”
C
Evita Jansone, MWF Ltd.
Chairwoman of the Board:
„The recognition indicates that a small
company is also capable of standing
next to giants and demonstrating its
capabilities. The company is delighted
with its accomplishments, which
motivates us to continue working. In
addition, participation in the competition allowed the company to increase
public recognition. It was also an opportunity to take a look at oneself from
a different perspective and assess the
next tasks.”
Website: www.mwf.lv
Export countries: Finland, the
Netherlands
38
MWF currently sells its product mostly on the Latvian market. However, it is planned
that the company will be selling 60-70% of its production on foreign markets in five
years. The first MWF products were exported around a year and a half ago. Export
market operations give the company significant experience in competition, thus
improving the quality of its products.
At the moment, there are 11 employees at the company. More employees will be
hired due to the company’s export plans. MWF team consists of people of various
ages, with diverse knowledge and experience. Therefore everyone has his own field
that he knows best and, by working together as a team, it is possible to combine
everything and achieve results.
„In the future, we see MWF as an exporting company, and
we are also planning to increase production capacity each
year. This year, we have decided to increase the company’s
turnover to EUR 142 280. The increased capacity will allow
the company to be more competitive on foreign markets.”
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
Address: Pērses iela 2, Rīga, LV-1442, Latvia
Phone: +371 67039499, fax: +371 67039401
E-mail: liaa@liaa.gov.lv
www.liaa.gov.lv
www.exim.lv
www.polarisprocess.com
The mission of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is to promote growth of the economy
of Latvia. Accordingly, the objective of LIAA is to promote business development by facilitating increased foreign
investment, while elevating the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs in both domestic and foreign markets.
With 20 years of experience in attracting of foreign direct investment to Latvia and promoting foreign trade, the
Agency has worked continually to improve the business environment and provide services appropriate to the
needs of business.
Following Latvia’s accession to the EU in 2004, the Agency needed to adopt new methods and tools, including the
effective utilisation of resources from EU Structural funds. Today, LIAA offers an integrated solution – it supports
companies in Latvia trading internationally as well as overseas businesses seeking partners or locations in Latvia
and administers state support programmes for entrepreneurs co-financed from EU Structural funds.
To ensure high quality communications with customers the Agency has representative offices in Minsk (Belarus),
Beijing (China), Copenhagen (Denmark), Paris (France), Berlin (Germany), Tokyo (Japan), Vilnius (Lithuania), The
Hague (the Netherlands), Oslo (Norway), Warsaw (Poland), Moscow (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden), London (UK)
and Kiev (Ukraine).
An ability to anticipate the rapidly changing needs of businesses and markets by offering new services characterises the Agency’s own competitiveness, built on the knowledge and competencies of our experienced specialists.
LIAA pays close attention to the quality of its own performance, comparing it with world best practices, and subsequently introducing new services and solutions for our customers.
In recognition of LIAA’s competitive and high quality services, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia has
received the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference of Trade and Development) Investment Promotion Award for
excellence in promoting export-oriented FDI. The award has been presented during the UNCTAD annual session
of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission.
We look forward to helping your company succeed in Latvia!

Pride of the Latvian Economy

Transcription

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