The competitiveness of Latvian food producers, changing consumer habits, and opportunities to create products with higher added value were the main topics at the Industry Day organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), which took place on October 30 at the Madona District Cultural Center. The event brought together approximately 150 food industry entrepreneurs, experts, and other professionals from across Latvia, demonstrating the sector’s interest in new growth solutions and opportunities for collaboration.
The forum discussions focused on changes in the food market, consumer selection criteria, product development, and opportunities for producers to strengthen their positions in both the Latvian and foreign markets. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to collaborate more closely with retailers and researchers, make more effective use of local raw materials, and adapt the product offering to changing demand.
“Latvian food producers have good opportunities to strengthen their positions in both domestic and export markets. In an increasingly competitive environment, the ability to create products with higher added value, adapt to consumer habits, and make effective use of local resources is becoming increasingly important. The Madona Forum demonstrated that entrepreneurs are actively seeking new avenues for development and opportunities for cooperation. At LIAA, we are working to help turn these ideas into concrete results—new products, international partnerships, and export deals. “The growth potential of Latvia’s food industry lies in our ability to combine the experience, knowledge, and innovation of local producers to create products that can compete in global markets,” emphasizes Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of the LIAA’s Export and Innovation Services Department.
One of the forum’s key conclusions was the need for food producers to adapt more precisely to consumer needs. As Jānis Dubults, executive director of the Latvian Food Retailers Association, pointed out, local origin is an important advantage, but it no longer guarantees a product’s competitiveness on its own.
“Latvian food producers have the potential to grow and compete in both domestic and international markets. However, consumer habits are changing, competition is increasing, and local origin alone no longer guarantees a product’s selection. Therefore, it is important for producers and retailers to collaborate more closely, jointly understand consumer needs, and strengthen the competitiveness of local products. “Our shared goal is to ensure that Latvian products are not only widely available on store shelves but also become consumers’ first choice,” emphasized J. Dubults.
Food and beverage technologist Daina Eglīte-Antona, for her part, drew attention to the impact of demographic changes and consumer habits on the food industry. An aging population, demand for healthier products, and changes in household structures are forcing manufacturers to reevaluate both product composition and packaging and production solutions.
“Latvian food producers need to focus more on processing local raw materials to create products with higher added value,” concluded D. Eglīte-Antona. She also emphasized the need to adapt in a timely manner to an aging population and changing demand so that companies can remain competitive in the long term.
Aigars Ruņģis, an investor in food startups, also highlighted the forum’s importance in generating new development ideas and opportunities for collaboration, noting that such meetings are particularly valuable for small producers who wish to expand their operations in Latvia and international markets by learning from the experiences of other companies.
Event participants appreciated the opportunity to meet producers, retailers, investors, and industry experts all in one place. J. Dubults particularly emphasized the importance of the LIAA’s initiative, noting that the forum’s value lies in its focus on practical growth solutions, strengthening entrepreneurs’ ambitions, and forging new partnerships.
The Madona Food Industry Forum was the first event in the LIAA Industry Days series, which aims to promote the exchange of practical experience and cooperation among entrepreneurs, state and local government institutions, business support organizations, and educational and research institutions.
The next Sector Days events will take place on November 26 at the “Lielais dzintars” Concert Hall in Liepāja, where the focus will be on the development of the energy sector, and on December 1 at the “Ulbrokas pērle” Cultural Center, where discussions will center on the competitiveness and growth opportunities of the electronics and electrical engineering sector.
The series of events is organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency as part of the “Program for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Latvian state budget.
About the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)
The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) is a government agency under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics that helps Latvian companies grow in international markets, attract investment, and foster innovation. LIAA supports companies in exporting, entering new markets, implementing investment projects, and strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness in the global economy.