History

1590 – 1785

Brewing in a medieval castle

• 1590
  The brewing of beer is referred to for the first time in the minutes of the Cēsis Castle audit, in which information can be found regarding the malt drying-room and hop gardens. The first brewery was located in the castle itself. 1590 is considered to be the year when the brewery was founded.
• 1621
  The Swedish-Polish war is won by the Swedes. The previous brewery capacity is no longer sufficient to satisfy their immense thirst and the brewery is relocated to the third forecastle. Large hop gardens are planted around its perimeters.
• 1785
  Cēsis is proclaimed as the county town. An economic boom is recorded. The demand for Cēsu alus is so great that there is not enough room in the town’s pubs and new pubs are built outside Cēsis at Rucka, Duvincka and Jurģi.

1878 -1999

The old Cēsu alus brewery

• 1878

The historic brewery buildings are built and the Cēsu alus brewery is established in the ownership of Graf Emanuel Sievers.

• 1922

Several entrepreneurs from Cēsis repurchase the brewery from Sievers and establish the JSC Augļu dārzs. During this period, wine, juices and mineral water are also produced at the brewery. Branches of ‘Augļu dārzs‘ are opened in Rīga, Jelgava and Valmiera.

• 1940

JSC Augļu dārzs is nationalised.

• 1950

The company is rebuilt and new equipment is installed. Production volumes increase four-fold.

• 1976

Industrial beer producer Cēsu alus is established which also incorporates Naukšēnu and Gulbene breweries.

• 1988

The holding company conglomerate is disbanded.

• 1995

Cēsu alus is privatised and once again becomes a joint stock company.

• 1998

A decision is taken to increase JSC Cēsu alus equity capital, as a result of which, the Norwegian-Latvian Commerce Development Fund becomes a shareholder in the company.

• 1999

The Norwegian-Latvian Commerce Development Fund sell its shares to the Finnish beer and non-alcoholic drinks producer Olvi Oyj subsidiary A.Le Coq. This marks the beginning of a new stage in Cēsu alus with broad opportunities for modernisation, production co-operation, increasing the qualifications of employees and cementing the company’s positions in the Latvian and Baltic markets, whilst preserving the unique heritage of the Cēsu alus brand.

JSC Cēsu alus management representative presents the ‚Cēsnieks‘ award to artist Ivars Prauliņš during the Cēsis Town festival for his significant and selfless work for the good of society and the town of Cēsis. The presentation of this award is continued on an annual basis with the award going to a person selected by Cēsu alus in partnership with Cēsis Council with the opinion of the people of Cēsis being a crucial factor in the choice of the recipient.

2000 – 2013

The new production plant of Cēsu alus

• 2000

On May 16, a festive ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of a new brewery in Cēsis. A foundation stone from the walls of the ancient Cēsis Castle brewery is laid in the foundations of the new brewery.

• July 6, 2001

The plant is formally opened at Palmu iela 13 in Cēsis. It boasts a filling capacity of 20 million litres of beer. A decision is subsequently made to change its legal address. Its new address is Aldaru laukums 1, Cēsis, LV – 4101, Latvia.

• 2003

Cēsu alus becomes the second largest beer producer in Latvia. Investments in the production plant reach 7 million lats. A 2 million lats investment is planned that will be allocated for the construction of a new boiler-house. The brewery is visited by Latvian Prime Minister Einars Repše and Estonian Prime Minister Juhann Part. Cēsu alus commences distribution of Heineken products in Latvia.

2004

Eva Sietiņsone has served as the JSC Cēsu alus Chairman of the Board since 2004. Prior to 2004 she headed the JSC Cēsu alus Financial and Administrative Department, greatly contributing to the development of the company.

• 2005

In continuing the planned investment acquisition, construction is completed on the new JSC Cēsu alus production unit, which includes a brewery and bottling facility. 4 million Lats were invested into the construction of the complex. With the anticipation of doubling the capacity of the brewery to 40 million litres of beer and non-alcoholic beverages per year, the production unit was equipped with the newest generation of high-quality standard equipment.

• 2006

JSC Cēsu alus is the first foodstuffs production company in Latvia to pass a complicated certification process and receives the “BRC Global Standard – Food” certificate. The BRC (British Retail Consortium) is a UK trade association, whose developed and internationally recognized standard “BRC Global Standard – Food” is for specific requirement foodstuffs companies, who supply products to retail chains and other companies. The Standard is developed to helped product retail companies in the fulfilment of EU-specific requirements and consumer protection, by ensuring unified principles in the evaluation of production companies.

• 2007

JSC Cēsu alus opens unique treatment plants for the manufacture of beer in the Baltic States.

In implementing an active investment policy, JSC Cēsu alus modernises its waste water treatment system. New treatment plants guarantee the complete treatment of waste water and prevents any kind of harm to the surrounding environment, as the treatment process neither uses chemical substances, nor has a distinct odour; the biogas created in the treatment process is collected and used for production needs.

Similar facilities exist in beer breweries in many other locations across the world, but it is the first time such facilities are used in the Baltic States.

• 2008

JSC Cēsu alus has implemented the largest investment project in the history of the company by grounding its position as the most rapidly developing beer brewery in Latvia. The company invested more than 10 million euro into production development. The greater part of this sum was invested into the development of a canning line, which allows JSC Cēsu alus to continue as the leader in the rapidly growing field of canning in all beverage sectors. The line is presently the most modern canning line in the Baltic States.

The beer Mītava was created in collaboration with Brainstorm (Prāta vētra), a very popular music band in Latvia. Mītava beer has triggered huge mass media and societal interest in 2008. This is a beer that, in a short period of time, achieved a lasting position among the top ten most sold bottled beer brands. In 2008, the mutually created JSC Cēsu alus and Prāta Vētra Mītava beer earned the Cicero Award in the advertisement nomination “Best Advertising Campaign”. At the heart of the TV advertisement are stories of how the people of Mītava used to relax in ancient times.

In the renovated rooms of the New Cēsis Castle, the oldest beer brewery of Latvia has established the first beer exposition in Latvia. The exhibition“The History of JSC Cēsu Alus and its Contribution to the Development of the City of Cesis” provides information on more than 400 years of history of the company, its development and achievements, and also increases the interest of visitors to the Cēsis Castle Manor complex, where the historical and cultural heritage JSC Cēsu alus beer brewery building was situated from the 19th to the 21st century.

In 2008, JSC Cēsu alus Chairman of the Board Eva Sietiņsone was presented with the Latvian Merchant Association’s Mark of Distinction “Best Manufacturer-Distributor 2007”. The Mark of Distinction was presented for the achievements of the company, which is the most rapidly developing company in the field of food production and brewery products. Due to their popularity and high quality, these products have received consumer recognition by being named “Product of the Year”.

• 2009

Cēsu alus has received a Superior Level Quality Certificate – BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Certificate and since now Cēsu alus is the first and only manufacturer of beverages in the Baltic States that has received a world-class quality certificate for canned beverages.

Cēsu alus develops the can market in Latvia by inventing innovative Packaging– can in pint volume.

Cēsu alus has received the Socially Responsible Company 2009 award according to the highest standards of corporate social responsibility.

According to an assessment by the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, the State Revenue Service, the State Employment Inspection and other experts, the company Cēsu alus was named one of the best employers in Latvia.

• 2010

In the contest for the title of Best beer that took place at the Helsinki Beer Festival, Cēsu Porteris – produced by JSC Cēsu alus received the honourable Silver medal.

In the first “Sustainability Index” of Latvian companies, Cēsu alus was included in the silver level. Index is an indicator that allows company results in all aspects of corporative responsibility to be evaluated – environment, market relations, working environment and responsibility towards society.

Cēsu alus has been judged as “The most efficient beer producer in Latvia”, ranking in a high position namely No. 10 of the list of food producers in the Baltics.

This year, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Latvia was the alcoholic cocktail Cēsu Džons, while the most favoured beer brand – Cēsu Premium. Both beverage brands also received the award of Product of the Year by the Latvian Merchants Association.

At the end of 2010, JSC Cēsu alus received the highest A level certificate BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, by adjusting the existing production unit of Cēsu alus to international level requirements.

• 2011

Cēsu alus introduces to the market the first live non-filtered beer in a glass bottle – Cēsu Nefiltrētais.

A special beer brand was created in devotion to the city of Cēsis – Cēsu Special, which was a gift in celebration of the 800 anniversary of Cēsis Manor.

Cēsu alus produced the first can of Porter beer in Latvia – Cēsu Ziemas Porteris. It is now available not only in a glass bottle, but also in a can.

Implementing the modernisation of production devices, in 2011 the technical equipment made it possible to package beer pints in 0.568 l volume cans. It was a success, because the Cēsu Premium pint became the best sold can in Latvia in 2013.

In spring JSC Cēsu alus, in cooperation with the dependence prevention association Be free! (Esi brīvs!), organised special practical seminars for young people in order to educate them on psychological reasons for and real consequences of alcohol dependence.

In summer, the cooperation was continued with the biggest music and arts festival in the Baltics – Positivus.

Within the framework of the campaign carried out by Cēsu alus, everyone had the opportunity to create a can design for Cēsu Premium Limited Edition Rock. The best design was selected from 197 submitted designs and was portrayed on one of the cans of the Cēsu Premium series.

In 2011, Cēsu alus increased the total sales volume by 10%. By particularly developing the positions of premium products in the overall Latvian beer market, influence was strengthened within the beer segment, while also still retaining the leading positions in other beverage segments.

• 2012

Cēsu alus initiated the creation of the can design series of Cēsu Premium National Edition in dedication to the characteristic values of Latvia, events and things that inspire us in our land. Everyone could participate in the creation of the design and the most original and appropriate design was selected from among the 449 submitted designs for the beer brand of Cēsu Premium.

Cēsu alus received acknowledgement from The Chief Rabbinate of Israel about the awarding of kosher certification to the distribution of all beer brands produced by Cēsu alus in sales points in Israel.

In March, the Latvian beer market was supplemented with three new import beer brands – Krušovice Imperial, Krušovice Černe and Edelweiss; whereas, the Latvian cider market was supplemented with JSC Cēsu alus import Premium category cider – Sherwood. This year, Latvian beer lovers got to know the beer favoured in Finland – Sandels.

Cēsu alus supplemented the non-filtered beer line with a new brand Cēsu Nefiltrētais Baltalus.

The production of the world famous beverage brand Angry Birds was initiated.

Cēsu alus created an interactive event concept – a project with the slogan “Be NON-addicted!” during which students were informed about alcohol dependence prevention measures.

Cēsu Nefiltrētais beer brand received the award Product of the Year as the most successful beer brand in 2012. The same award in its category was also granted to the alcoholic cocktail Cēsu Džons Pina Colada.

• 2013

Cēsu alus initiated an exclusive educational beer degustation cycle “Beer Master-Class” with an aim to discover the traditions of beer brewing and enjoyment in different regions of the world. This year, the visitors of the event were introduced to the beer culture of North America.

A new beer brand was created honouring the founder of the Cēsu alus brewery and the landlord of Cēsis Manor – Grāfs fon Zīverss.

To celebrate the XXV Nationwide Latvian Song and the XV Dance Festival, a special design can series of Cēsu Premium – About songs and About dance – was created. Within the framework of the campaign, a Cēsu Award fund was established in order to support the development of song and dance culture in Latvia.

Since 2013, the beer cans produced and packaged by Cēsu alus have been decorated with a foil cap in the colours of the Latvian flag – carmine red and white, as well as an informative title “The only beer in a can produced in Latvia”.

In contributing to the environmental improvement of the local community, Cēsu alus built a new skate park in the city of Cēsis for young people, thus providing a qualitative way for the young people of Cēsis to spend their free time.

The senior club of Cēsu alus was established, which gathers existing and former long-time employees of Cēsu alus who are now retired.

Several important investment projects had been implemented – efficiency of the beer packaging process improved, a new expanded laboratory with modern devices set up, logistics warehouses enlarged, a new information system in the company implemented, as well as the space of beer fermentation containers expanded.

Cēsu alus expanded its product portfolio with several new products – Cēsu Premium Amber and Cēsu non-filtered buckwheat beer (Cēsu Nefiltrētais Griķu alus). Besides, the distribution of natural spring water Lielbāta in Latvia was initiated.

This year, the company was awarded “Socially Most Responsible Employer”, “Project Award of the Year 2013” on exceptionally performed projects in the field of personnel administration; a gold level assessment within the Sustainability Index was received, as well as the CrefoCert Gold level certificate – a mark of stability and quality, which acknowledges the company’s stability, promotes the overall reputation of the company and demonstrates its ability to meet financial commitments.

2014

Cēsu alus – the largest brewery in Latvia

• 2014

The beer brewery Cēsu alus became the first and only beer brewery in Latvia that uses Latvian-grown barley in beer brewing, thus contributing to the development of Latvian agriculture and cultivation of grain.

A new, particularly slowly ripened beer brand was created – Cēsu Nefiltrētais Lēnalus, which is ripened for 60 days and is a novelty in the Latvian market.

For the second consecutive spring, the exclusively educational event “Beer Master-Class” was held, which this year was devoted to the beer culture of England. In summer of 2014, a unique beer series in Latvia with a collector’s value – Beer For Your City – was created in devotion to 15 Latvian cities and historical districts. The series includes Cēsu Premium beer bottles with labels of 15 different Latvian cities, Cēsu Premium cans with maps of four Latvian historical districts – Vidzeme, Kurzeme, Latgale, Zemgale – as well as a collection of four beer glasses with the design of Latvian historical regions.

2015

Bruža beer success story

• 2015

  The largest brewery producing beer in Latvia, Cēsu alus, has created a new beer brand. Brūža alus is a beer series especially created by the Head Brewer of Cēsu alus brewery Māris Grambergs, including three different beer varieties – Samtainais, Rūgtais, Nefiltrētais.

  Māris Grambergs is the Head Brewer of Cēsu alus brewery, who has second generation knowledge and experience in brewing. Māris has inherited the beer brewing traditions from his parents, who both worked in the brewer trade in the old Cēsu alus brewery – this fact is also the basis of the new beer brand name. Māris Grambergs has been the one to contribute to the development of the new beer brand, including a variety of beer flavours, thus bringing the diversity of the beer world to Latvian beer lovers.

  In February 2015, Cēsu alus received the 1st place in the survey “TOP Employer 2014” organized by the internet recruitment company “CV-Online Latvia”. The award was given for the 1st place among employers in the Vidzeme region.

2016

Dārza sidra (Garden Cider) success story

• 2016

  On 5th February, at the “Latvian Beer Annual Award 2015” award ceremony, “Cēsu alus” receives several awards:
  • The largest increase in the beer export market – in the group of large breweries
  • The most environmentally friendly production company
  • Growth of the year award

  In May, “Cēsu alus” expands its assortment of cider and offers natural cider lovers a new brand made in Latvia – “Dārza sidrs” (Garden cider). It is a natural semi-dry cider, with a bouquet of flavors characteristic of Latvian garden fruits and berries. There are three types of ciders on sale: apple, quince and gooseberry flavor.

  “Cēsu alus” supplements the line of the leading beer brand “Cēsu Premium” with a new beer variety “Cēsu Premium Select”, dedicated to the 810th anniversary of the city of Cēsu.

2017

Sustainability Index – Platinum category

• 2017

  “Cēsu alus” receives the second highest rating in the “Sustainability Index” – Platinum category. The company is the only alcoholic beverage production company that participates in the rating. On 1st June, when the participants of the “Sustainability Index” were awarded in a solemn ceremony, the performance of “Cēsu alus” was especially appreciated, receiving the award of the Union of Free Trade Unions of Latvia for contribution to the development of social dialogue. Director General of the Confederation of Latvian Employers, Līga Menģelsone, presented Eva Sietiņsone with the Sustainability Leader Award – for responsible, sustainable and strategic management of the company.

  Company managers in Latvia have been evaluated and ranked in the Company Reputation TOP. Having received a positive reputation assessment, Eva Sietiņsone, the chairman of the board of “Cēsu alus” is included in the TOP 10 of company managers, occupying the 9th place in the top.

  In the beer segment “Cēsu alus” offers several novelties. In honor of Latvia’s centenary, a new beer brand was created – “Senlatvju alus”. Plants found in nature of Latvia have been selected for the nuances of taste, three types of brews are available – meadowsweet, juniper, lingonberry.

  The best-selling beer brand “Cēsu Premium” is undergoing changes and is bottled in a new class of design pint bottles with neck foil. The design of the bottles was created according to specific order of “Cēsu alus”. “Cēsu alus” also expands the non-alcoholic beer category, offering “Cēsu Premium 0%” non-alcoholic beer on the market.

  On May 24, the LatviaBeerfest festival was opened with the beer brewed by the head brewmaster Māris Grambergs of “Cēsu alus”.

  In the summer, “Cēsu alus” implemented a project that was unprecedented in Latvia and, possibly, even in the world – Mission Possible. The idea of the project was to provide the visitors of two big concerts, Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, by serving Cēsu alus drinks. Most of the company’s employees participated, including 1st-3rd level managers. At the Foo Fighters concert on June 21, 79 employees worked, at the Red Hot Chilli Peppers concert on July 27 – 94 “Cēsu alus” employees.

  In the international competition Baltic Beer Star 2017, two products of “Cēsu alus” were awarded with the highest rating. “Brūža Ķiršu sārtais” beer received the gold medal in the fruit beer category, while the gold medal was awarded to “Ulmaņlaiku kvass” in the traditional fermented kvass category.

  On September 4, “Cēsu alus” obtains an energy management certificate according to the ISO 50001 standard.

2018 – 2019

The sustainability performance evaluated internationally

• 2018

  Cēsu alus was recognized as the National Winner 2017/2018 in category “Social Responsibility and Care for the Environment” in the prestigious and largest European business competition “European Business Awards”. The European Business Award has been presented since 2007 and its aim is to strengthen the business community and support successful business in various sectors across Europe. The competition jury is represented by experienced business leaders, politicians, academics from several European countries. In 2017, a total of more than 110,000 companies from 34 countries participated in the competition.

  Creating a unique variety of dark beer, the largest brewery in Latvia, “Cēsu alus”, expands its product range and offers the dark beer “Cēsu Premium Bohemian”.

  “Cēsu alus” enters a new beverage segment, offering a new premium class vodka brand “Johan Freitag” bottled in Cēsis under Olvi’s license. The line has been expanded, offering “Johan Freitag” gin on the market as well.

  On August 29, 2018, “Cēsu alus” obtained the environmental standard ISO 14001 certificate.

  In honor of the 100th anniversary of Latvia, Cēsu alus becomes a supporter of the film Dvēseļu putenis.

• 2019

  In summer, according to the recipe of Lido beer masters, Lido Special beer is brewed, which is available at sales points throughout Latvia.

  On August 29, Cēsu alus obtains the Occupational Health and Safety Management System standard ISO 45001:2018 certificate.

  A new craft brand is being brewed – POOKA beer, which is offered only to HoReCa customers. Two types of POOKA beer are available: American Pale Ale or APA and Indian Pale Lager. POOKA beer is brewed in small batches.

2020 – 2021

Cēsu alus rebranding

• 2020

  By implementing socially responsible activities and striving to achieve environmental goals, from January 2020, the Cēsu alus brewery uses only green energy. All Cēsu alus products are produced using only certified green electricity.

  In January 2020, the chairman of the board of Cēsu alus, Eva Sietiņsone, together with the organizations uniting Latvian retail and beverage production companies, which includes Cēsu alus, signed a memorandum on the readiness to cooperate and promote the introduction of the deposit system in Latvia.

  On March 26, Cēsu alus online store cesualus.lv/veikals started operating – giving residents throughout Latvia the opportunity to buy beer and other beverages with home delivery.

• 2021

  At the beginning of April, rebranding of Cēsu alus bran was announced – the logo of Cēsu alus has been changed. To emphasize our origin, a new slogan is used – With inspiration from Cēsis!
  The flagship of Cēsu alus – the Cēsu Premium beer brand is undergoing a changes in design and values. The new values of Cēsu Premium: The soul of the city of Cēsis lives in our hearts, Innovation inspires us; Be yourself and enjoy the beer you really like; We care about a better future for all of us. The company’s employees take part in the Cēsu Premium advertising clip.

  With the aim of promoting the culture of a positive and safe working environment, ensuring the representation of employees’ interests, engaging in the development and implementation of work protection and work environment improvement projects, the Employee Trust Council was established.

  Cēsu alus becomes the owner of Piebalgas alus brewery – the merger process of the companies was concluded on June 1. Piebalgas alus works as a separate brewery, brewing beer using open fermentation tanks. Cēsu alus provides the distribution of Piebalgas alus.

  In the international competition “World Beer Awards” Cēsu alus brewed beers received four awards – “Cēsu Premium” beer was recognized as the “National winner” in the lager beer category, while three other beers received a silver rating – “Brūža Rudzugraudu” and “Cēsu Premium Green” – in the specialized beer category, “POOKA Apiņots Lāgers” – in the lager beer category.

  On October 14, Cēsu alus concluded a deal with “Orkla Latvija” for the purchase of the water brand “Everest”. The transaction also envisages the transfer of water production equipment to the ownership of “Cēsu alus”.

2022

Cēsu alus becomes the official distributor of Corona beer

• 2022

  By concluding a cooperation agreement with the world’s largest brewer “AB InBev”, “Cēsu alus” gets the right to sell the world-famous “Corona” beer in Latvia, which is produced and delivered from Mexico.

  New beer cocktails are offered to the market – BRŪŽA VELDZE. By developing the radler segment and inspired by local flavors, refreshing beer cocktails were created with two flavors – “Brūža VELDZE” with quince flavor and “Brūža VELDZE” with rhubarb flavor.

  Cēsu alus joined the Mission Zero Initiative, which combines people’s knowledge, the practical experience of companies and individual willpower to improve. Also, the Mission Zero Charter was signed, voluntarily committing to further adhere to business principles centered on people, their health and safety.

  On June 22, the renovated Dynamit skate park was opened. This is the investment of Cēsu alus for the youth of Cēsis city – restoring a favorite recreation place where to actively spend free time.

2023

Our care for the future – worth the diamond!

• 2023

  Cēsu alus is one of the eight companies in Latvia that gets the highest rating in the Sustainability Index – the Diamond category.

  In June, the highest ever record of the volume of produced liters was achieved – 9.32 million liters of beverages.

  On November 16, Cēsu alus joined a responsible initiative by signing the Sustainability Code developed by the Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility.

2024

#CĒlimited clothing collection created in cooperation with FYODOR GOLAN

• 2024

  In cooperation with the world famous fashion brand FYODOR GOLAN, a unique collection of #CĒlimited clothing and accessories is created.

  The construction of the first phase of the Visitor Center and the office building has started with a festive event where the Time Capsule was burried, hip-hop artists M. Sencis and Grandmasters Neons performed, and the extreme bicycle trial show organized by Greentrials took place.

  The Brūža Amatalus series is being created with 2 new Blonde beers recognized by beer connoisseurs – a lager and an ale.

  The original taste of 1984 beer returned as Cēsu Senču beer, which is recognized not only among beer lovers, but also received bronze evaluation in the category of integrated campaigns at the advertising festival Baltic Best Awards.