Company Insight

Tradition meets innovation in Olvi Group

Rooted in Finnish brewing heritage, Olvi Group has grown into an international multi-beverage house combining tradition, innovation and sustainability. With strong local brands and a growing global presence, the Group continues to share Nordic quality and craftsmanship with consumers across more than 80 markets.

Main image credit: 

Brewing quality since 1878

Olvi Group’s story began more than 145 years ago in Iisalmi, Finland, where a small brewery laid the foundation for what is now one of Northern Europe’s leading multi-beverage companies. Today, the Group operates in six countries – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark and Belarus – and exports to over 80 markets worldwide.

With more than 2,500 employees and an extensive product portfolio covering beers, ciders, long drinks, handcrafted distillates, soft drinks, waters, juices, energy and wellness beverages, Olvi Group continues to blend its deep brewing heritage with forward-looking innovation. The company’s strength lies in multi-locality, empowering each subsidiary to respond to local consumer needs while sharing a common commitment to quality, sustainability and community.

Multi-local strength and innovation

Olvi Group’s subsidiaries, including A. Le Coq in Estonia, Cēsu Alus in Latvia, Volfas Engelman in Lithuania, Bryggeriet Vestfyen in Denmark and Lidskoe Pivo in Belarus, represent a rich mix of regional expertise and tradition. Together, they form a strong network of breweries and beverage producers that uphold local identities while contributing to the Group’s international success. 

In Finland, Olvi is the third largest brewery and beverage manufacturer, complemented by its Finnish subsidiaries Servaali Oy’s import and distribution business and The Helsinki Distilling Company’s premium spirits and long drinks. Across the Baltics and Denmark, Olvi’s brands combine modern innovation with local authenticity and heritage, ensuring the Group’s beverages are enjoyed by millions every day. 

Innovation plays a central role in Olvi’s growth. Each year, hundreds of new products are introduced across its markets, from flavour innovations and lighter recipes to sustainable packaging. Olvi’s product development teams focus on evolving consumer needs – such as lower-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives, sugar reduction and natural ingredients – without compromising on taste or quality.

Global reach

While Olvi Group’s heart remains in Northern Europe, its beverages are increasingly enjoyed across the world. The company exports to more than 80 countries, sharing the taste of Northern craftsmanship with global consumers. Its expanding international presence is built on a diverse portfolio of brands that combine authenticity, creativity and a sense of place. 

At the core of Olvi Group’s export are several distinctive brands, each rooted in the character of its local company. Le Coq Cocktails from A. Le Coq capture the playful, social side of modern refreshments, delivering vibrant style and balanced flavour. Johan Freitag Gin Cocktails from Cēsu Alus reflect Nordic purity through gin-based long drinks. From Lithuania, Volfas Engelman carries forward the Group’s brewing heritage with its Tastes of the World range of approachable craft-style beers.

The Helsinki Distilling Company adds a refined touch with its award-winning gins and whiskeys, showcasing Finnish craftsmanship and attention to detail. Together, these brands cater to different consumer occasions and lifestyle trends while expressing the Group’s dedication to authenticity, quality and innovation.

Beyond these brands, Olvi also exports water, artisanal spirits, a range of ciders and beers across Europe and Asia. Its export growth is driven by enduring partnerships, consistent quality and long-term collaboration. With every market, Olvi Group seeks to build sustainable relationships with customers and partners founded on trust and shared values, ensuring its products resonate with diverse consumers while staying true to their Nordic origins.

Sustainability built into every step

Sustainability is a guiding principle for Olvi Group. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and across its value chain by 2040. Nearly all Olvi facilities now operate on 100% green electricity and all packaging is recyclable or reusable. 

The company’s sustainability approach also extends to responsible water use, aiming to reduce consumption per litre produced to below 2.5 litres by 2030. Recognition of these long-term sustainability efforts includes being listed among TIME magazine’s 500 most sustainable growth companies and receiving a Gold rating in its first EcoVadis assessment.

Looking ahead

As Olvi Group continues to grow, its focus remains on providing moments of enjoyment to consumers’ everyday lives through diverse and high-quality beverages, while operating responsibly and taking care of people and the planet. 

With a blend of strong local roots and international vision, the Group stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation – proudly representing Nordic quality across the world.

Contact information

Olvi Group

Email: export@olvi.fi
Web: export.olvi.fi