Although Riga Black Balsam can be considered as one of the world’s oldest herbal bitter brands, with its origins dating back to 1752, it has created several innovations in recent years. Even in this extraordinary year, two new products are being offered to lovers of the legendary drink: Limited Edition Riga Black Balsam with chocolate and mint taste, as well as two RTD Black Balsam cocktails in a contemporary and sustainable format – cans.
“As Riga Black Balsam represents one of the oldest beverage categories in the world, the way we consume this drink has changed over time: from enjoying a little sip as an aperitif or with coffee through to countless cocktail variations nowadays,” says Maris Kalnins, Global Brand Director of Riga Black Balsam.
“By listening to our consumers and following the global trends in beverage development, we have created a Riga Black Balsam with a gentle and refreshing taste of milk chocolate and sweet peppermint, which will be very suitable for Christmas time. We have also reduced the strength of the drink to 30% ABV, similar to our popular balsam with black currant and cherry flavours. This limited edition Riga Black Balsam with chocolate and mint will be especially suitable for those who enjoy sweeter drinks, as well as it will be a great addition to classic and hot cocktails,” said Maris Kalnins.
At the same time, the brand has begun filling its popular RTD cocktails in 330 millilitre cans. The new packaging of black currant and cherry-flavoured cocktails will be available on the market replacing these cocktails in glass bottles. In this format, cocktails will be more convenient to use, as well as more environmentally friendly. Glass waste, when released into the environment, cannot decompose even over a million years. Metal cans can be sorted and are biodegradable over several years.
Both new products, Riga Black Balsam with chocolate and mint and Black Balsam cocktails, are produced by Latvijas balzams, the leading alcoholic beverage producer in the Baltics, and they will enter the market with the help of Amber Distribution Latvia, the largest Latvian beverage distributor. Initially, the new beverages will be available in the network of Latvijas balzams stores throughout Latvia and gradually – also in other retail chains.
Riga Black Balsam is available in over 30 countries; in 2018 the brand was launched in the UK and this year in the USA with renewed vigour. Different variations of the drink are available: Riga Black Balsam Black Currant, Riga Black Balsam Cherry and Riga Black Balsam Espresso. In May this year, a premium class version of the drink was launched – Riga Black Balsam XO, which is complimented by the addition of exquisite 8-year-old French brandy. The brand has won more than 100 awards in international competitions; in 2020, Riga Black Balsam was repeatedly recognized as the Most Unique Brand in the Baltics.