What Smiltenes Piens does

Smiltenes Piens AS (legal name AS "Smiltenes piens") is a privately held Latvian dairy processing joint-stock company headquartered at Mūrnieku iela 2 in Smiltene, Latvia, with more than a century of operating history (founded circa 1900; firmographic record also references 1912). The company processes raw milk into an extensive portfolio of branded dairy products — semi-hard cheeses (Classic, Holandes/Gouda, Maasdamer, Tilzites/Tilsiter, Latvijas, Baksteins, Granister, Smiltene), fresh Italian-style cheeses (Mozzarella — produced domestically for the first time in Latvia — plus Burrata and Stracciatella), cream and processed cheeses, fermented dairy (sour cream at 15/20/25% fat, kefir including lactose-free, cottage cheese at multiple fat levels), fresh dairy (milk 2.5%, butter 82%, heavy cream 35%), high-protein functional beverages under the Piena Spēks label (whey-protein drinks and smoothies enriched with vitamin D3, with lactose-free variants), handcrafted desserts (curd cakes and cheesecakes with fruit toppings in regular and mini formats), and — most recently — shelf-stable condiments (Provence mayonnaise, Caesar dressing). Certain premium items are matured in custom-designed cheese cellars, and the company explicitly avoids preservatives, artificial additives, and milk powders across its core range.

The business is a sales-led traditional CPG operator: it monetizes through both retail (consumer packs of 200-500g via Latvian grocery and supermarket chains) and wholesale/bulk distribution (2-10kg SKUs for food-service and professional kitchens), priced at undisclosed consumer-shelf levels. Marketing is primarily direct: a bilingual (Latvian/English) e-commerce-style website hosting the product catalog, recipes, news, and a Mailchimp-powered newsletter, supplemented by Facebook and Instagram competitions. Customer base is described as a horizontal segment — general Latvian consumers, health- and protein-conscious buyers, lactose-intolerant consumers, and food-service buyers — with no named enterprise customers or pricing-by-customer disclosures in the public record.

The company is the subject of a pending strategic transaction: in February 2026, Smiltenes Piens signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in fellow century-old Latvian dairy Cesvaines Piens AS (advised by Widen, with Cobalt advising the seller; subject to Latvian Competition Council approval), explicitly aimed at consolidating Baltic market standing, attracting modernization capital, and widening export reach. Ownership, headcount, and financial figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Smiltenes Piens

Legal name

AS "Smiltenes piens"

Website

https://smiltenespiens.lv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Smiltenes Piens is a Latvian dairy processor with over a century of history producing cheeses, fermented dairy, fresh dairy, protein beverages, desserts, and recently condiments for retail and wholesale customers across Latvia and the wider Baltic region. In 2026 it acquired peer Cesvaines Piens to strengthen market position.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dairy Products

NAICS

Food Manufacturing (311), Frozen Cakes, Pies, and Other Pastries Manufacturing (311813), Creamery Butter Manufacturing (311512)

SIC

Dairy Products (2020), Bakery Products (2050)

akta.pro primary industry

Processed Cheese & Cheese Spreads Manufacturing (Slices, Loaves, Spreadable) (AFAHABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Yogurt & Cultured Dairy (Yogurt, Kefir, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese) (CRADACAB), Pastry, Cakes & Tortes Manufacturing (AFAKAAAB)

Keywords

• Dairy processing
• Cheese manufacturing
• Fermented dairy products
• Whey protein beverages
• Curd cakes and desserts

Headquarters

HQ city

Lviv

HQ country

Ukraine

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Dairy product sales: Smiltenes Piens generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of dairy products including cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, kefir, milk, butter, whey protein drinks, cream, and desserts. The company sells through retail and wholesale channels in Latvia and is expanding its export markets following the acquisition of Cesvaines Piens.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

AS "Smiltenes piens" is a Latvian dairy processor that manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of cheeses (semi-hard, fresh, cream, processed, and snack), fermented dairy (sour cream, kefir, cottage cheese), fresh dairy (milk, butter, cream), protein-rich whey beverages under the Piena Spēks brand, and handcrafted curd cakes, cheesecakes, and small condiment lines. Products are sold under the company's own Smiltenes Piens brand through retail and wholesale channels in Latvia with growing export reach.

Product overview

Smiltenes Piens AS is a Latvian dairy processor with over a century of history offering a comprehensive portfolio of dairy products. The company operates as a unified dairy brand producing: cheese products (semi-hard cheeses including Classic, Gouda/Holandes, Maasdamer, Tilsiter, Latvijas, Baksteins, Granister, and Smiltene; fresh cheeses including Mozzarella, Burrata, and Stracciatella; cream cheeses; processed cheeses; and cheese snacks in various flavors including chocolate-coated varieties); fermented dairy (sour cream at 15%, 20%, and 25% fat; heavy cream 35%; kefir including lactose-free variants; cottage cheese at various fat levels); fresh dairy (milk 2.5%, butter 82%); protein beverages under the Piena Spēks brand including whey protein drinks in classic and flavored variants (strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, lactose-free), protein smoothies (apple-cranberry, mango-pineapple, peach-oat bran) with lactose-free options; desserts including curd cakes (cherry, blueberry, raspberry jam varieties), cheesecakes (lemon cream, salted caramel, chocolate brownie with raspberry), available in both regular and mini portion sizes; and condiments including mayonnaise (Provansas) and Caesar salad dressing. The company recently expanded through acquiring majority stake in another Latvian dairy processor, Cesvaines Piens.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Klasiskais (Classic) Cheese 50% Traditional semi-hard cheese with 50% fat in dry matter, mildly salty taste, firm elastic texture, and reliable everyday use for meals and snacks.
• Holandes (Gouda) Cheese Popular Dutch-style cheese with lactic mild taste and delicate texture, available in slicing, grating, and cooking formats.
• Maasdamer Cheese Swiss-style semi-hard cheese with characteristic 'eyes' and mildly sweet flavor, versatile for breakfast, grilled dishes, pizza, and fondue.
• Liesais Light Cheese 16% Light semi-hard cheese with 16% fat content and mild flavor for consumers seeking a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Tilzites (Tilsiter) Cheese 45% Traditional aged semi-hard cheese with mild, slightly tangy and piquant flavor and distinctly traditional Latvian character.
• Latvijas Cheese Premium cheese crafted using special technology and matured in custom-designed cheese cellars, offering rich yet mild flavor with creamy undertones.
• Baksteins Cheese Refined gourmet cheese with aromatic, slightly piquant and rich flavor, positioned as a delicacy for those who appreciate refined cheese.
• Granister Cheese Premium aged cheese matured for 12 months with bold, slightly piquant taste, grainy texture, and caramel notes, comparable to Parmesan but milder.
• Smiltene Cheese Semi-hard cheese honoring the Smiltene region with classic balanced flavor and distinctly elastic texture, versatile for slicing and grating.
• Shredded Semi-hard Cheese 2kg Pre-grated semi-hard cheese made from Classic and Hollander cheeses, ready to use in 2kg bulk format for pizzas, toasts, pasta, and casseroles.
• Shredded Hard Cheese Grated aged hard cheese matured for 12 months with deep, slightly piquant flavor and nutty aftertaste, positioned as a Parmesan alternative.
• Processed Cheese Classic Versatile processed cheese with smooth, creamy texture and distinct cheese flavor, easy to spread for soups, sauces, and hot dishes.
• Fresh Cream Cheese Classic Mild, additive-free plain cream cheese for natural taste and versatile use in both savory and sweet dishes.
• Fresh Cream Cheese with Tomato and Basil Aromatic cream cheese with Mediterranean tomato and basil flavors for summery notes on a smooth, creamy texture.
• Fresh Cream Cheese Spicy (Jalapeño) Fresh jalapeño cream cheese with bold spice blend for spreading on bread and crackers.
• Smiltene Cream Cheese Popular customer favorite cream cheese with mild sweet taste for pastries, cakes, cupcakes, desserts with fruit, and savory dishes.
• Mozzarella Fresh Cheese The first Mozzarella produced in Latvia, with mildly sweet flavor and layered elastic texture, classic in salads with tomatoes and basil.
• Mozzarella Cheese (1kg) Natural soft unripened Mozzarella capturing Mediterranean taste, available in 1kg format for pizzas, appetizers, salads, and warm main courses.
• Mozzarella Mini 2kg Mini-sized mozzarella balls with 45% fat in dry matter, sold in 2kg bulk format for salads, snacks, and party platters.
• Burrata Cheese Italian-style cheese with a firm outer layer hiding a rich silky blend of sweet cream and shredded mozzarella, ideal for light appetizers and salads.
• Stracciatella Exceptionally soft and creamy fresh cheese made from shredded mozzarella mixed with sweet cream; the iconic filling inside Burrata.
• Cheese Snack in Dark Chocolate Dehydrated cheese snack coated in dark chocolate with no added sugar, high protein, and 12-month shelf life without refrigeration.
• Cheese Snack in Milk Chocolate Dehydrated cheese snack coated in milk chocolate with sugar-free glaze, combining crunchy cheese and quality chocolate.
• Cheese Snack with Cheddar Flavor Crispy cheese bites made from 100% real cheese with Cheddar flavor, 47g protein per 100g, dehydrated and shelf-stable.
• Cheese Snack with Cream-Onion Flavor Protein-rich dehydrated cheese snack with creamy sour cream and onion taste, made from 100% real cheese with 47g protein per 100g.
• Cheese Snack with Gouda Flavor Crunchy snacks made from 100% real Gouda cheese, 49g protein per 100g, dehydrated without refrigeration.
• Cheese Snack with Blue Cheese Flavor Bold cheese snacks with intense blue cheese flavor, made from 100% real cheese with 47g protein per 100g.
• Cheese Snack with Tomato-Chili Flavor Spicy cheese snack combining tomato and chili flavors, made from 100% real cheese with 47g protein per 100g and 12-month shelf life.
• Smoked Cheese Snack Rich bold smoked cheese snacks with classic smoky twist, made from 100% real cheese with 50% protein content, preservative-free.
• Sour Cream 20% (400g) Classic 20% fat sour cream made from fresh cream cultured with lactic acid bacteria, balanced creaminess and mild tang for soups, sauces, and Latvian dishes.
• Sour Cream 15% (400g) Light and diet-friendly sour cream with 15% fat content, pairing well with fresh herbs, beets, and various soups.
• Sour Cream 25% (5kg) Rich, smooth sour cream with 25% fat content in 5kg bulk format, suitable for professional kitchens.
• Heavy Cream 35% (5kg) High-quality cream with 35% fat, thermally processed from milk in 5kg bulk format, ideal for culinary and pastry use, whips with stable texture.
• Skimmed Cottage Cheese 0.5% (800g) Dietary cottage cheese with mild slightly sour taste and 18g protein per 100g, in 800g format with shelf life up to 12 days.
• Whole Milk Cottage Cheese 9% Traditional-style cottage cheese with 9% fat and 16.7g protein per 100g, evoking homemade-style cottage cheese.
• Kefir Classic nutritious kefir from high-quality milk enriched with live lactic acid bacteria, supporting digestion and immune system.
• Kefir Lactose-free Lactose-free kefir enriched with bifidobacteria for gut microbiota balance, gentle on the stomach with all the goodness of traditional kefir.
• Milk 2.5% (5kg) Pasteurized milk with 2.5% fat in 5kg bulk format, a staple rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein for everyday consumption.
• Butter 82% Traditional sweet cream butter from churned country milk or fresh cream, rich in phosphatides, proteins, minerals, lactose, and vitamins.
• Piena Spēks Whey Protein Drink Classic High-protein dairy drink with 41g protein and 50μg vitamin D3 per 460g bottle, lactose-free, additive-free, and low in fat for active lifestyles.
• Piena Spēks with Strawberry Flavor Protein-rich whey drink with refreshing strawberry flavor, 41g protein and 50μg vitamin D3 per 460g, low fat, suitable for post-workout recovery.
• Piena Spēks with Chocolate Flavor High-protein dairy drink combining fresh milk and aromatic chocolate, with 41g protein, 50μg D3 vitamin, no preservatives, low fat.
• Piena Spēks with Vanilla Flavor Smooth vanilla-flavored protein drink with 41g protein and 50μg vitamin D3 per 460g, low fat, ideal as a refreshing break or smoothie base.
• Piena Spēks Lactose-free Whey Protein Drink Clean whey protein drink enriched with vitamin D3, designed for lactose-free nutrition, 41g protein and 50μg D3 per 460g bottle.
• Protein Smoothie Apple-Cranberry Refreshing protein smoothie with apple and cranberry flavor, enriched with whey proteins supporting muscle recovery and immune function.
• Protein Smoothie Mango-Pineapple Revitalizing smoothie rich in mango and pineapple with natural sweetness, high-quality whey proteins support muscle recovery and strength.
• Protein Smoothie Peach-Oat Bran Fresh protein smoothie combining juicy peach with nutritious oat bran, with whey proteins supporting muscle recovery and immunity.
• Protein Smoothie Lactose-free (Neutral) Neutral additive-free lactose-free protein smoothie designed for clean nutrition and functional recovery, ideal for athletes and lactose-intolerant consumers.
• Protein Smoothie Banana-Chocolate Lactose-free Rich lactose-free protein drink combining banana and chocolate with quality whey proteins, suited for post-workout recovery.
• Smiltene Curd Cake with Cherry Jam (500g) Cottage cheese cake on chocolate sponge base topped with cherry jam, made without preservatives and 100% handcrafted.
• Smiltene Curd Cake with Blueberry Jam (500g) Refined cottage cheese cake with royal blueberry jam, made from airy Smiltene cottage cheese and premium whipped cream, handcrafted.
• Smiltene Curd Cake with Raspberry Jam (500g) Fruity cottage cheese cake with rich raspberry jam on chocolate biscuit base, handmade without preservatives.
• Smiltene Cheesecake with Lemon Cream (950g) Elegant cheesecake with light fresh cheese, rich whipped cream, and refreshing lemon cream inspired by French tarte au citron, handcrafted without preservatives.
• Cheesecake with Salted Caramel (500g) Rich cheesecake with fresh cream cheese on biscuit base with honey hint, finished with generous salted caramel layer, handmade without preservatives.
• Cheesecake with Chocolate Brownie and Raspberry Jam (500g) Indulgent cheesecake with fresh cheese, whipped cream, and cocoa on chocolate brownie base, topped with raspberry jam, handmade without preservatives.
• Mini Curd Cake with Cherry Jam (110g) Mini-portion cottage cheese cake with cherry jam on chocolate sponge base, made without preservatives and 100% handcrafted.
• Mini Curd Cake with Blueberry Jam (110g) Refined mini cottage cheese cake with royal blueberry jam, made without preservatives and 100% handcrafted.
• Mini Cheesecake with Lemon Cream (110g) Mini cheesecake with lemon cream and dark chocolate drizzle, mini version of the 950g lemon cream cheesecake.
• Mini Cheesecake with Salted Caramel (110g) Mini cheesecake with fresh cheese, whipped cream, and salted caramel filling on biscuit base, handmade without preservatives.
• Majonēze (Mayonnaise) Provence Classic mayonnaise made with rapeseed oil, egg yolk, and mustard, packaged in 210g format as a preservative-containing condiment.
• Caesar Salad Dressing (Cēzara Salātu Mērce) Caesar salad dressing made with egg yolk, cheese, yogurt, mustard, and fish powder, manufactured in Estonia in 210g packaging.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cesvaines Piens AScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2026Dairy processor Cesvaines Piens AS signed an agreement to sell its majority stake to Smiltenes Piens AS, uniting two dairy companies each with more than a century of history in Latvia. The strategic move aims to strengthen market standing in the competitive Baltic region, attract modernization investments, and expand access to broader export markets while preserving Cesvaine's cheese-making heritage. The transaction is subject to approval by the Competition Council.
• WidenminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWiden advised Smiltenes Piens on the transaction for acquiring a majority stake in Cesvaines Piens. Widen served as advisor to Smiltenes Piens alongside Cobalt which advised the seller.
• CobaltminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCobalt advised Cesvaines Piens on the sale of its majority stake to Smiltenes Piens. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval by the Competition Council.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Piim (Estonian Dairy Cooperative): Estonian dairy cooperative producing milk, cheese, butter, and fermented dairy for the Estonian and export markets — direct Baltic peer in the same product categories and competitive set.
• Valmieras piens: Latvian dairy processor (also part of Food Union) producing cheese and dairy products for the Latvian market — directly competes with Smiltenes Piens in cheese and fresh dairy in the same home market.
• Food Union: International dairy group operating multiple Latvian and Baltic brands (including Rīgas Piena Kombināts and Valmieras piens); directly comparable as a multi-brand Baltic dairy processor with overlapping cheese, milk, and fermented-dairy portfolios.
• Rokiškio Sūris: One of the largest cheese manufacturers in the Baltic states (publicly listed, Lithuania), producing hard and semi-hard cheeses for domestic and export markets — a direct cheese peer with similar traditional-production positioning.
• Limbažu Siers: Latvian cheese manufacturer with a similar heritage positioning and cheese-focused portfolio; competes directly with Smiltenes Piens in the Latvian specialty cheese segment.
• Pieno Žvaigždės: Publicly listed Lithuanian dairy group producing milk, fermented dairy, cheese, and ice cream across the Baltics — comparable scale and product breadth to Smiltenes Piens and a direct regional competitor.
• Rīgas Piena Kombināts: Largest Latvian dairy processor (part of Food Union group) producing milk, cheese, butter, and fermented dairy for the domestic Baltic market — direct competitor to Smiltenes Piens across virtually every product category in Latvia.

Broad incumbents

• Lactalis: World's largest dairy group (France) with extensive cheese and fresh-dairy portfolios across Europe — represents the long-term competitive threat from global incumbents expanding into Baltic retail.
• Fonterra Co-operative Group: Global dairy giant (New Zealand) supplying cheese, butter, whey proteins, and functional dairy ingredients to Europe and beyond — comparable to Smiltenes Piens at the commodity and ingredient level, especially for whey/protein exports.
• Arla Foods: Large European dairy cooperative (Denmark/Sweden) with broad cheese, butter, and milk portfolios and growing Baltic retail presence — sets competitive benchmarks on price, scale, and private-label competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SmiltenesPiens
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smiltenespiens

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smiltenes Piens