Recognition of Latvian sprats in the world

Latvian sprats are loved and appreciated all over the world. Already by the 30s of the 20th century Latvian sprats in oil produced in Riga and Jelgava were exported not only to the neighboring countries such as Germany, Great Britain, Soviet Russia, Poland, the Baltic countries, but also to such exotic countries as China, Latin America, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Palestine, Balkan countries and Japan as well as to France and the USA [4], [5]. Interestingly enough, already at that time attempts were made to imitate Latvian sprats. In 1930, The Economist reported [6], that in an attempt to avoid import duties Lithuanian and Polish entrepreneurs bought sprat from Latvian fishermen while production, i.e. processing and packing in jars, was carried out in Vilnius and Siauliai. Despite the fact that the same fish and technology were used in the production, the buyers remained dissatisfied because Lithuanian manufacturers "could not and did not want" to take care of the product quality. Latvian producers were concerned that the reputation of Latvian sprats and the consumers’ trust and loyalty was jeopardised.

Today, a glass or plastic jar, or a tin can of traditional Latvian sprats in oil can be found on store shelves in Europe, North America and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Gourmets from different countries come to international exhibitions to buy the coveted delicacy from Latvian merchants, and entrepreneurs – to negotiate wholesale deliveries. At the food fair RigaFood2021, great interest was generated by the innovative 800 g packaging of Latvian sprats presented to the general public for the first time [7]. Today, a glass or plastic jar, or a tin can of traditional Latvian sprats in oil can be found on store shelves in Europe, North America and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Gourmets from different countries come to international exhibitions to buy the coveted delicacy from Latvian merchants, and entrepreneurs – to negotiate wholesale deliveries. At the food fair RigaFood2021, great interest was generated by the innovative 800 g packaging of Latvian sprats presented to the general public for the first time

Hoteliers and restaurateurs from Europe and Asia were particularly interested in buying said product. At one of the largest food fairs in Japan – FoodExJapan2022 – traditional Latvian sprats in oil were a resounding success.