Sustainability

Sustainability as Part of Our Everyday Work

Sustainability encompasses the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of our business. It means acting responsibly every day by using resources responsibly, caring for our employees, ensuring product quality and safety, and conducting business with integrity.

Cēsu Alus is part of the Olvi Group, and our sustainability work is based on a shared approach focused on the environment, people and products. This is complemented by ethical business conduct, responsible collaboration with partners and contributions to society.

We aim to develop our business for the long term while using resources responsibly, caring for people and creating products whose quality and safety consumers can trust.

The sustainability work of Cēsu Alus forms part of the Olvi Group sustainability programme and targets. Information on the Group’s priorities, targets and progress is available in the latest Olvi Group Sustainability Report.

Learn more about Olvi Group sustainability strategy here.

Environment

Brewing and beverage production are closely linked to the use of energy, water, raw materials and packaging materials. Reducing environmental impact is therefore one of the key areas of our sustainability work.

We work to reduce our environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. Our main areas of action are reducing carbon emissions, using water efficiently and managing wastewater, as well as improving the efficiency of packaging material use.

We are improving our production and cleaning processes to increase water-use efficiency and reduce water consumption per unit of production.

We pay our attention to wastewater pre-treatment and opportunities for its further use.

We regularly review our packaging materials and explore solutions to reduce material use and increase the share of recycled materials.

More information on targets, actions and results achieved is available in the latest Olvi Group Sustainability Report.

People

A Safe Working Environment and Employee Development

People are our priority. We care about a safe working environment, employee health and professional development. We support a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Annually May is the month when Cēsu Alus organises a month of safety and health activities for employees, with a particular focus on occupational safety, health and wellbeing. Activities include first aid training, safe driving sessions, physical activities and other initiatives.

Our approach to occupational safety is based on risk identification, employee training and continuous improvement of the working environment.

Every two years, Cēsu Alus conducts an Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey. Our goal is to achieve an AAA-level rating by 2030.

A trade union has been active in the company for many years and is a valuable partner in maintaining constructive relations between the employer and employees. The collective agreement provides a range of social benefits in addition to those required by law.

Employee Development

We promote employees’ professional growth, continuous learning and involvement in the development of the company.

Employee development includes training, regular development discussions, knowledge sharing and opportunities to contribute to process improvements.

Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to create a workplace where people are respected, and everyone has equal opportunities.

Since 2023, Cēsu Alus has been a member of the “Diversity is Strength” initiative. In the 2025 Diversity Assessment, Cēsu Alus was awarded with silver status.

Products

Quality and Product Safety

Quality is a priority in the production, filling and sale of our products. This is demonstrated both by strict compliance with regulatory requirements at the brewery and by our voluntary certification to the internationally recognised BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, which we have maintained since 2006.

Quality control includes regular testing of raw materials, intermediate products and finished products to ensure compliance with established requirements.

A Culture of Responsible and Moderate Consumption

We support a culture of responsible and moderate beverage consumption and continue to expand our range of non-alcoholic products. Our goal is to offer a non-alcoholic alternative in every alcoholic beverage category and to broaden our range of sugar-free and lower-calorie beverages.

Responsible product communication is an essential part of our approach. Information must be clear, accurate and easy for consumers to understand.

Together with industry partners, Cēsu Alus established the Latvian Brewers’ Self-Regulation Code, whose core principles are respect for consumers and fair competition. The Code promotes responsible and moderate beer consumption rooted in tradition.

Ethical Operating Practices

Honest and fair ways of working are an integral part of our values and business operations.

We comply with applicable laws and ethical business principles, do not tolerate bribery or corruption, and respect human rights, equality and fair competition.

We are committed to respectful communication with employees, customers, partners and other stakeholders.

The Olvi Group Code of Conduct for Partners provides a common foundation for responsible business practices throughout the value chain.

Read Olvi Group Code of Conduct for Partners

Contribution to Society

Each year, Cēsu Alus defines its sponsorship and support priorities. However, the core of our sponsorship strategy remains unchanged: Cēsu Alus supports initiatives of lasting significance that continue over several years and develop into traditions.

Cēsu Alus contributes to the local economy, employment and community life, and works with local partners and organisations. We support initiatives that are important to the municipality of Cēsis and Latvian society, with a particular focus on projects related to the local community, education, sport, healthy and responsible lifestyles, and public participation.

Our support priorities and initiatives evolve over time in response to society’s needs. We want our activities to create long-term value not only for the company but also for the community in which we operate.

Cēsu alus sustainability development

Ensuring product safety is vital in the beverage industry. All our products are manufactured in compliance with strict safety and quality requirements – in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and BRC food production certificate. We follow the trends of the beer and beverage market and are constantly working on innovations in product development.

Forest map

Tree planting is one of our environmental initiatives, implemented in collaboration with our partner PATA. Every year, our employees plant approximately 2000 seedlings.