Made in Latvia: which brands the country is proud of today 

“Made in Latvia” is more than an inscription on a package. It is a reflection of the way of life shaped by the people who live, create and develop the country, each in their own way. We asked Neighborhood readers what modern Latvian brands they are proud of—and we have compiled an impressive list. Let’s start with those working in the fields of art, health and beauty, fashion, gastronomy and furniture design.

Art and culture

Street monsters, museum masterpieces, quiet dreams and bright sunshine—in Latvia, art hides in unexpected places. It goes beyond galleries: it lives on the facades of houses, in shop windows, at light festivals and in courtyard performances. A new generation of artists is growing up here, whose graphic art, ceramics, paintings and textiles find their way into collections all over the world—but remain truly Latvian. 

Flow

In 2024, the short animated film Flow became a sensation—it was shortlisted for the Academy Awards and for the first time ever presented Latvian animation on this prestigious international stage. The work of director Gints Zilbalodis is a visually mesmerising journey through a post-apocalyptic world, told without a single word, but with incredible accuracy of feeling and image.

Flow is not only an artistic achievement, but also a symbol of the growing recognition of Latvian animation art in the world. Zilbalodis, who previously won a prize at Cannes for his debut Away, has once again proved that Latvia knows how to create world-class cinema—deep, bold and visually unique.

Kiwie

Kiwie is a Latvian street artist. He is known for his cute, but a bit creepy monsters, which he has been leaving on walls all over the world since 2002. The artist doesn’t reveal his identity, so behind the paintings is the image of the mysterious old man John Dick, who created Kiwie. Neighborhood has a whole interview—for those who want to get to know this extraordinary character more.

Zuzeum

Zuzeum is the largest venue dedicated to Latvian contemporary art. It presents a private collection of Latvian art—more than 20 thousand works of various genres. The space regularly hosts film screenings, music evenings, lectures and creative workshops. For tourists, the Zuzeum ranks among Latvia’s best attractions.

Erica Synths

Latvian brand Erica Synths is well known in the world of electronic music—as one of the leaders in the production of modular synthesisers. Founded in Riga by engineer and musician Ģirts Ozoliņš, the company started with experimental DIY kits, and today it supplies complex and aesthetically verified modules all over the world—from Tokyo to Los Angeles.

Erica Synths relies on quality, engineering ingenuity and a recognisable visual style. Their devices are used by independent artists and stage legends alike, and their signature “Latvian black” design has become an aesthetic statement in itself. The brand’s lineup includes both modular systems for enthusiasts and full-fledged synthesisers that can be used on stage or to build your own sound lab.

Erica Synths is not only a technical mastery, but also a cultural mission: the brand supports festivals, educational initiatives and regularly launches collaborations with artists and developers all over the world. This is one of those cases when “made in Latvia” means made with intelligence, character and perfect sound.

Young artists 

Among the new names the country is proud of:

• Katrina Avotinja and her whimsical worlds in paintings inspired by Austrian artist Friedrich Hundertwasser;

• Jana Briquet with works in the genre of pop surrealism and a focus on human states of mind: dreams, love, longing and pain.

• Ieva Baklane, who is distinguished by the amazing “southern light” in her works. The paintings are imbued with summer on the shores of warm calm seas of Spain, Italy and South America. 

Health and beauty 

Latvia knows how to heal, relax and care. Here they create cosmetics with pure compositions, produce medicines that are sold all over the world, and produce massage mats known in 130+ countries. All with an emphasis on naturalness, a scientific approach and mindfulness of the body.
 

Products and establishments 

Here, naturalness is not a trend, but almost a national trait. So it is with food: local bakeries leaven dough overnight, chocolate is still made according to old recipes, and farmers’ markets have not lost the smell of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Pure

Pure comes from the small village of Pure in Kurzeme and is famous for its truffles, pralines and other chocolate treats made with natural ingredients. Cream, berries, nuts and even local liquor are used in the production—all this gives the sweets a recognisable taste and makes them a popular gift both in Latvia and abroad.

Pure Chocolate is proud not only of the quality, but also of the design: each box is a combination of tradition, modern design and flavour with a Latvian accent.

Kalve

Kalve is a Latvian coffee brand with its own roasting, which in recent years has become a symbol of modern coffee culture in Riga. Their spaces combine minimalist design, high gastronomy and conscious consumption philosophy. Kalve carefully selects beans, experiments with flavours and produces not only coffee, but also a range of pastries, drinks and accessories.

Max Cekot 

Max Cekot Kitchen is Latvia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in the industrial district of Riga, it surprises not only with its high cuisine, but also with its atmosphere: dinner takes place as a gastronomic performance in the author’s interior of a former warehouse. There is no à la carte menu here—guests can enjoy a carefully constructed tasting set, which combines local products, seasonality and the artistic thinking of Chef Max Tsekota. We have a detailed article about this place.

Fashion

In a world where tonnes of clothes are sent to landfills, Latvian designers and vintage enthusiasts show that style can be not only beautiful, but also responsible. From upcycling to living vintage culture, this is the story of how fashion becomes a tool for sustainable consumption and preserves the memory of things.

Upscycling Designers 

Every year tonnes of clothes end up in landfills—and about 6% of them have never been worn. Young Latvian upcycling designers try not to turn a blind eye to this problem. Among the well-known ones: Sasha Treimane—works in upcycling and zero-waste, Aiva Zīle—reduces the amount of textile waste by recycling large quantities of clothes, Leticija Orlova—has been making unique upcycling clothes since childhood. 

Vintage

A lively vintage culture has formed in Latvia, where correctly selected clothes, accessories and objects of the past are reinterpreted and become a part of modern style. Latvian vintage has been mostly influenced by VOLGA, Vintaginarium, Japonistika, Begemot Shop and Fairies Wear Vintage. 

Furniture

In a country where forests cover more than half of the territory, the love for wood has been passed down from generation to generation. Today Latvian furniture is appreciated all over the world for its quality, durability and laconic design, which is equally appropriate in a Riga loft, a Scandinavian flat or a Berlin café. Many brands successfully export their products to Europe and beyond, remaining true to the principles of environmental friendliness and ethical production.

Mint Furniture

Minimalism with character, or furniture without unnecessary details. The brand creates modern furniture from natural materials—wood, leather and textiles. Mint collections are easily recognisable by clean lines, balanced proportions and warm colours. The company actively co-operates with architects and design studios, and also has its own showroom in Riga.