Rigerts and Laima
The name of Willy Wonka — a freakish eccentric and probably the most famous fictional pastry chef in the world — is familiar to many. But does the name Theodore Rigert mean anything to you? If not, we will explain: he is the first Latvian Wonka but this character is real, not fictional.
In 1870, Theodore and his brother Leopold opened a business for the production of chocolate and sweets. The company is called “Rigerts”. Production was relatively small, but after 7 years it turned into a full-fledged factory, one of the largest in the Baltic States. Riga was even named the “city of sweets”.
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In 1936, the factory once again changed its owners — and “Rigerts” was renamed to “Laima”. Why such a mysterious name, you ask? The goddess of fate and happiness – Laima is one of the main heroines of Baltic mythology. The management of the factory seemed symbolic: after all, true happiness is another piece of chocolate.
Over time, the factory endured a lot: the Soviet period, nationalization, another name change and the return of the original. But, despite this, “Laima” chocolate is still recognized and loved not only in Latvia — they’re exporting products to 20 countries around the world. And the packaging proudly lists 1870 as the year when it all began.
What we know about cocoa beans
For many years, “Laima” has been using “Forastero” cocoa beans grown in the Republic of Ghana. Until recently, all chocolate products of the factory were produced according to a method “from cocoa beans to finished chocolate bars”, i.e. “Laima” processed the Ghanaian cocoa beans themselves.
A while ago, the company switched to a method that most chocolate factories in the world use today: the use of ready-made cocoa mass. Of course, highest quality and without the addition of vegetable fats.
What to try first
Today, “Laima” has more than 250 products of sweets. But at least three of them deserve special attention.
“Red poppy” is a classic praline with pieces of crushed caramel. At the time, this combination of flavors pleasantly surprised fans, and today “Sarkanā Magone” remains a bestseller and trademark of the factory.
“Serenāde” is a candy with a long history: it’s said that in 1937 one of the factory masters came up with a recipe for “Serenāde” and dedicated this work to his girlfriend. Chocolate candy with dried fruits and nuts inside struck the taste buds of many and continues to be one of the most frequently purchased candies of the factory so far.
“Latvija” is a chocolate candy with pieces of cookies. It appeared in their assortment not so long ago, in 2018 — the year of the centenary of the Republic of Latvia. And for this reason, it is packed in a red-white-red wrapper — the color of the Latvian flag.
Chocolate Museum
In the very center of Riga, on the site where another factory building was opened in 1938, there is a wonderful interactive museum. Here you can touch everything, while also trying some things: at the very beginning of the exposition there is — attention — a chocolate fountain. The smell is unspeakable! And at the end of the trip around the museum, guests can take pictures with huge soft sweets in their hands in the background of a “fabulous sweet country” — children usually enjoy this experience.
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The “Laima” Museum is not only about the history of the factory, but also about the history of chocolate itself. Here you can learn about how the Aztecs first started using cocoa beans, and what is happening in the chocolate industry today. Chocolate workshops are also held in the museum. The atmosphere here is incredibly pleasant. And, of course, it’s worth coming here for one of the eight “Laima” branded stores.
More info: Laima
