INDUSTRY OF BEVERAGES AND CANNED GOODS

The apple juice produced in the Cooperative Enterprise "Vaisių sultys" is exported to Germany. The enterprise re-introduced production of wine supplied to the local market. The wine is bottled not only into the bottles but also into the Pure-Pak packages. The enterprise introduces the system of quality management ISO 9000. They try to manufacture all the possible goods from fruits and berries. Besides, the company bottles mineral water and produces lemonede.

The enterprise "Lietuviškas midus" was established in 1889. This is one of the oldest companies in Lithuania and the only manufacturer of alcoholic beverages according to an authentic Lithuanian mead production technology. In Lithuania mead became popular in the Middle Ages. However in the 18th century when the wild-bee keeping disappeared production of mead in Lithuania declined. Following the initiative of former director of the factory A.Sinkevičius (1908-1989) who lead the company for a long term Stakliškės factory "Lietuviškas midus" in 1959 re-introduced production of this unique drink.

No recipes of the ancient Lithuanian mead have remained but it is still known that even in former days water and honey solution used to be boiled with various spices and afterwards it was filtered and fermented with yeast. Volume of such a beverage is usually 10 - 16%, however stronger mead beverages may be produced with ethyl alcohol.

According to the technological descriptions from the historical data that have still remained A.Sinkevičius restored a recipe of mead and in 1972 secured its copyright in Great Britain. Stakliškės factory produces seven brands of Lithuanian natural mead. Mead balsam and other stronger mead beverages like "Žalgiris", "Nemunas", "Suktinis" and others are produced from the natural mead. At present production of a new brand "Amžiaus eliksyras" devoted to the 21st century started. Besides 8 brands of light alcohol shakes are produced.

Lithuanian mead deserved recognition not only in the local but also in foreign exhibitions in Paris, London, Montreal. Employees of the company strive for the international Quality Certificate to be granted to their enterprise. During the latter years a new bottling line was purchased and other equipment renovated.