Riga Black Balsam Cherry reports record launch figures

Since its launch two months ago, Amber Beverage Group's Riga Black Balsam Cherry liqueur has sold more than 70,000 bottles.

The flavoured line extension of Riga Black Balsam, launched in August this year, now accounts for 16% of the brand's total sales volume. Originally launched as a limited edition spirit in the Latvian market, the spirit will become part of the brand's core portfolio. It will be available through  all major retailers in Latvia and Estonia by mid-October, while in 2018, the product will make its way to duty-free airport outlets in Russia, UK, Italy and Scandinavia. The liqueur combines the flavours of traditional Riga Black Balsam and natural cherry juice, providing "a harmonious balance of flavours". Maris Kalnins, global brand director of Riga Black Balsam, said: “We are so pleased to see the initial figures from the brand’s launch. We invested a significant amount into this fantastic drink that not only took over a year to produce, but more than 100 attempts to source the perfect balance of balsam and cherry ingredients. "We have huge plans for the brand and ambitious goals of which we are extremely confident.“ The cherry liqueur was launched to coincide with the 265th anniversary of the brand's original recipe.