Vilvi Group Breaks Ground on New Cheese Factory in Latvia

The new facility, spanning over 8,000 square meters, will be built within the premises of Baltic Dairy Board SIA, a Vilvi Group-owned dairy processing plant. The project is being financed through a combination of the Group's own resources, loans from Citadele Bank, and a substantial contribution of over EUR 8.5 million from the Latvian State Development Finance Institution ALTUM.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the factory will feature cutting-edge automated and robotic cheese production systems, creating over 100 new jobs. "This plant will not only expand opportunities for Baltic farmers but will also deliver the highest quality products to our customers," said Gintaras Bertašius, CEO of Vilvi Group. The facility is expected to process over 500 tons of milk daily, producing around 50 tons of cheese. Annually, the plant is projected to produce 18,000 tonnes of cheese, primarily for export to over 40 countries.

Bauska Mayor Aivars Okmanis, who attended the ground-breaking ceremony, welcomed the investment, highlighting its positive impact on the local economy and job creation. "Vilvi Group's decision to invest in our municipality underscores the favorable business environment and the quality of life in Bauska," Mayor Okmanis stated.

Vilvi Group, with a strong export focus—approximately 90% of its products are sold abroad—is one of the largest dairy processors in the Baltic States. The Group’s key export markets include the European Union, Asia, and other global regions.

In 2023, Vilvi Group reported a net profit of EUR 14.6 million, a 15% increase over the previous year, with an EBITDA of EUR 21 million, reflecting a 9.1% growth. The Group includes Vilkyškių pieninė, Modest, Kelmės pieninė, Kelmės pienas, Pieno logistika (Lithuania), and Baltic Dairy Board (Latvia).