First draught beer stores in Latvia

Latvian beer lovers can now buy draught beer for take-away in local stores. In Latvia two draught beer stores named “Pikniks” have been opened recently. Each of these stores offers 10 types of 'live beer'. It is planned that in the nearest time six more stores will be opened in Riga. The existing stores are equipped with the PEGAS NovoTap systems and the stores to be opened in the near future will also be equipped with the PEGAS NovoTap bottle-fillers.

Take-away draught beer stores can become a great additional market channel for microbreweries and brewpubs. There are several reasons for that. First of all, beer consumption habits are changing drastically. In the present economic environment beer lovers try to save money, but they are not in a hurry to give up their favorite beverage. This is why customers prefer to enjoy draught beer not in pubs or bars where price for beer is quite high, but to buy it in stores and enjoy it at home or outdoors.

Secondly, breweries can supply their products to the existing stores or open their own. More so that the example of the Russian market (and already of the Latvian market) shows that take-away draught beer stores are businesses that are easy to get into. According to the Novosibirskprodmash company estimations, the total cost to set up a beer store for selling 6 beer types will make about 4500 EUR. The costs for including 6 more beer types in the product range will make 2200 EUR. It takes 1-2 months to open a take-away beer store, such short time being a considerable advantage itself. Our market research shows that initial investments will start to pay back in 9 months. Such beer stores are easily opened, moved, expanded, and what is more important, they bring good profit.

Thirdly, take-away draught beer stores owners can easily purchase beer dispensers PEGAS TM that provide the most cost-effective beer dispensing. Besides, the PEGAS bottle-fillers keep the original quality of the beverage which is of primary importance for both beer producers and customers.

Take-away draught beer stores business only started to develop in Latvia. It means that those who will be the first in this segment stand a good chance of becoming market leaders and getting the biggest profits.