LTD “Valmiermuižas alus” is joining the JSC “Cēsu alus” in order to continue the growth of both breweries in the local market and to further develop export potential. The merger of “Cēsu alus” and  “Valmiermuižas alus” will be completed once approval has been received from the Competition Council.

“This is a strategic and well-considered decision, which will allow the brewery family to continue and further develop craft beer brewing in Valmiermuiža, while customers will be able to enjoy consistently high-quality brews. Although this is the best year in “Valmiermuižas alus” history, we are also aware that we operate in a business environment in Europe that is not friendly to small and independent brewers. As a result, last year Latvia ranked last in the European Union in terms of beer production volume. This significantly hinders Latvian brewers’ ability to grow, invest, and compete on a European scale. I am convinced that Valmiermuižas Brewery has a great future by joining forces in synergy with our neighbours at Cēsu alus, so that the work we have started will continue with even greater strength, and that “Valmiermuižas alus” will always be brewed in Valmiermuiža,” explains Aigars Ruņģis, owner of “Valmiermuižas alus”.

Evija Grīnberga, Chairman of the Board of “Cēsu alus”: “We highly value the contribution of Aigars Ruņģis and the “Valmiermuižas alus” team, both in creating high-quality and well-loved beer brands, and in developing beer culture in Latvia. We are pleased to be able to join forces and, while respecting shared values and traditions, continue the development of the brewery and strengthen our position in export markets. “Valmiermuižas alus” will continue to operate in Valmiermuiža, maintaining its high standards of beer quality. We will honour the recipes and beverage-making secrets that make “Valmiermuižas alus” so special. We are patriots, and we care deeply about the development of the Vidzeme region and Latvia, about economic growth and the ability to ensure stable jobs for local people. Therefore, it is important that “Valmiermuižas alus” continues to be brewed in Valmiermuiža.”

The brewery “Valmiermuižas alus” achieved its best-ever results last year and in the first seven months of this year: last year, turnover exceeded EUR 10 million for the first time, while in the first seven months of this year it grew by another 5% compared to the same period last year, reaching EUR 6.7 million. Operating profit increased more than fourfold, and sales of both seltzer (+20%) and non-alcoholic beer (+40%) grew, driven by exports and the introduction of new flavours in the Valmiermuiža range. Export volumes also increased successfully – by 20% overall – while in export markets, draft beer sales in restaurants and bars grew by 50%. “Valmiermuižas alus” is available in Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

A report will be submitted to the Competition Council, and the transaction is expected to be finalized after the notification is reviewed and approved. In the meantime, SIA “Valmiermuižas alus” continues to brew and deliver high-quality beer and non-alcoholic beverages under the leadership of Aigars Ruņģis. Brewery tours, work in the beer kitchen and beer garden in Valmiermuiža, and activities at the Valmiermuiža embassies in Riga also continue.

About Valmiermuižas alus
LTD “Valmiermuižas alus” is a small manor brewery, 100% owned by LTD “Valmiermuižas ieguldījumu fonds” (Valmiermuiža Investment Fund). The fund was established to promote craft beer brewing in Valmiermuiža, to popularize Valmiermuiža as a destination for gourmet tourism, and to support the export of craft beer brewed in Valmiermuiža.
60% of the fund is owned by brewery owner Aigars Ruņģis, 24% by the Austrian investment fund “Industrieliegenschaftenverwaltung AG” (ILAG), and 16% by the Austrian company “MVF40.” Valmiermuižas alus is one of the founders of the movement “Latvian Independent Brewers,” which aims to promote the brewing of the national drink, beer, in Latvia.

About Cēsu alus
JSC“Cēsu alus” is the oldest brewery in Latvia, with brewing experience dating back to 1590. Today, the brewery is the largest beer producer and one of the leading beverage manufacturers in Latvia. The “Cēsu alus” group also includes the “Piebalgas alus” brewery, which joined in 2021 and continues independent operations in Jaunpiebalga. The “Cēsu alus” product range includes beer, cider, cocktails, as well as a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages and water (such as Dārza lemonade, Ulmaņlaiku kvass, Dynami:t energy drinks, Everest water, Limpo lemonade), offering consumers a broad and high-quality product selection. “Cēsu alus” has been recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in Latvia, receiving the highest – Diamond category – rating in the Sustainability Index since 2023. The company operates responsibly, caring for the environment, employees, and society. It is the largest taxpayer in the Vidzeme region.