A Historic Step: Vilvi Group Opened a New Cheese Factory Worth Over €60 Million in Latvia

Vilvi Group, one of the largest dairy production companies in the Baltic States, has officially opened a new cheese factory in Bauska, Latvia. Over €60 million was invested in this project, the largest in the group's history. Once operating at full capacity, the facility is projected to generate approximately €100–120 million in annual revenue, with its production exported to more than 40 countries worldwide. 

The new cheese factory also stands out for its rapid construction—instead of the planned two years, construction took only one. The manufacturing complex was built on the premises of Baltic Dairy Board, a company owned by Vilvi Group. 

Not a Single Drop of Milk Wasted 

Although the factory is officially opening in May, commercial cheese production began in January, and the first batch of products has already been shipped to clients in Italy. 

Gintaras Bertašius, CEO of Vilvi Group, noted that the Bauska-based cheese plant seamlessly integrates into the group's entire manufacturing system, enabling the sustainable use of every drop of milk. 

He added that the whey left over from cheese production is transported to the group's drying facility in Tauragė, which produces dry dairy products, while the fats are further processed at the Marijampolės pieno konservai plant to produce butter. 

"The opening of this factory marks a new stage of international expansion in the history of Vilvi Group. We have proven our ability to execute large-scale projects in record time. We have established a sustainable and fully integrated supply chain between our branches in Lithuania and Latvia. This allows us to operate with maximum efficiency and ensure the highest product quality. I am confident that we are laying a solid foundation for our leadership in the Baltic States and further international growth," stated G. Bertašius. 

18,000 Tons of Cheese Annually 

The new facility is fully automated, equipped with robotics and the latest technologies. 

The core equipment was supplied by Tetra Pak, Sealed Air, GEA, and other partners. The complex was constructed using materials that meet modern standards, and a 1,000 kW solar power plant—one of the most powerful in the Bauska region—operates on the roofs of the buildings. 

It is estimated that once fully operational, the factory will produce 18,000 tons of cheese annually and generate approximately €100–120 million in revenue for Vilvi Group. 

The factory will not only expand the group's product portfolio but also become a pillar of the regional economy. Over 100 new jobs have already been created here, with the majority of employees being local residents of Bauska. The new Vilvi Group factory is already among the top ten largest taxpayers in Bauska. 

"Vilvi Group's investments here in Bauska are strong proof that the region is an attractive location for large companies due to its advantageous geographical position and economic potential. This project is not just a modern, automated factory for the Bauska region. It also means more than 100 new, stable jobs for local residents, contributing to social well-being. We highly appreciate the company’s investments in production infrastructure — close cooperation stimulates the region’s economic growth," said the Mayor of Bauska Municipality Aivars Mačeks. 

In Lieu of Gifts, Support for the Most Vulnerable 

The factory's construction was funded by Vilvi Group's own capital, a loan from Citadele Bank, and support from the Latvian government. Partners such as SIA Mapri Būve, Altum, and Tetra Pak also contributed to the project's execution. 

"We congratulate Vilvi Group on the opening of this new, innovative factory. We are delighted to be part of one of the largest dairy industry projects in the Baltic States. Vilvi Group is a strategic partner of ours, and this financing reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable industrial development and innovation in the region," stated Vaidas Žagūnis, Member of the Management Board and Head of Corporate Banking for the Baltics at Citadele Bank. 

While expanding its operations in Latvia, Vilvi Group also focuses on social responsibility and local community inclusion. To mark the opening, the company provided financial support to Cerību spārni (Wings of Hope), a Bauska-based organization advocating for individuals with mental health conditions and disabilities. Event guests were also invited to donate to this organization in lieu of traditional gifts. 

The group consists of the companies Vilkyškių pieninė, Modest, Kelmės pieninė, Kelmės pienas, Pieno logistika, the Latvian enterprise Baltic Dairy Board, and the recently integrated Marijampolės pieno konservai. The group processes approximately 1,500 tons of milk and produces around 430 tons of dairy products daily, which are exported to over 80 countries worldwide.