Commenting on the news published by several mass media about the fact asking if production at “Latvijas balzams”, JSC might be influenced by the call of American LGBT organisations to boycott Russian goods, including, misleadingly, the premium vodka brand Stolichnaya®, the Communications Manager at “Latvijas balzams” Dana Hasana confirmed that at the moment there is no reason to expect a decline in the production volume of Stolichnaya® at the company.

Owners of the brand Stolichnaya® —SPI Group, which is based in Luxembourg, — has confirmed  that the above events have not affected the sales volume of vodka. The management of SPI Group stresses that tolerance, equality and diversity are values which form the basis of the SPI Group business philosophy.

“We are certain that the SPI Group has explained that one of the most popular vodkas in the world — Stolichnaya® — is not being produced in Russia, but since 1948 it is being produced here, at “Latvijas balzams” JSC. Vodka Stolichnaya® and the SPI Group have expressed public support of the international LGBT community against the attitude and actions taken by the Russian government towards sexual minorities and their rights through an official letter, issued by the CEO Val Mendeleev, comments D.Hasana.

A Company representative informs that in the first half of the year, production of “Stolichnaya” at “Latvijas balzams” exceeded forecast  and Latvijas Balzams expect this to continue. “Based on the data, within the first six months of the year, production volumes of the vodka Stolichnaya® have increased by 10% compared to the same period last year.

Additional information:

Dana Hasana

JSC “Latvijas balzams” Communication Manager

Phone: +371 67011711

Mob. phone:+371 26355895

E-mail: dana.hasana@lb.lv

www.lb.lv

About JSC “Latvijas Balzams”

JSC “Latvijas balzams” is a leading producer of alcohol beverages in the Baltics with a history steeped in tradition.. Its biggest pride, Riga Black Balsam, is one of the oldest alcohol beverage brands in Europe rooted in 1752. The company has a distillery of strong alcohol beverages and sparkling wines and light alcohol beverages production plant in Riga.

JSC “Latvijas balzams” employs 600 people and is one of the biggest taxpayers in Latvia. JSC “Latvijas balsams” with more than 100 product names is represented in almost all segments of strong and light alcohol beverages, with many market leaders in Latvia. Among the company’s products are such worldwide known brands as “Stolichnaya”, “Moskovskaya”, “Riga Black Balsam” and “Rigas Sparkling Wine”.

JSC “Latvijas balsams” is one of the most significant exporters in Latvia – its products are available in more than 160 countries through SPI Group and in over 30 markets through direct export. The company’s quality management system is certified in accordance with ISO standards and has won hundreds of awards in various international and domestic competitions and has obtained numerous quality certificates. In May 2013 JSC “Latvijas balzams” was awarded a silver medal in the Sustainability Index , improving its overall performance compared to the previous year.