To meet rapidly growing demand in European export markets for eggs produced in cage-free systems, create new jobs in Latvia’s regions, and develop one of the most modern and fully integrated egg production complexes in the Baltic States, AS Agrova Baltics (part of the Agrova International group) has launched a EUR 30 million investment programme in Alūksne and is preparing for the next phase of development in Preiļi. Construction of three new laying hen houses is already actively underway in Alūksne. Upon completion of all planned projects, the company’s annual egg production capacity will increase by 56%, from the current 180 million eggs to approximately 280 million eggs per year.
The investment programme includes the construction of three new laying hen houses in Alūksne with a combined area of 7,380 m², the modernisation of the egg grading and packing centre, the development of an organic fertiliser production facility, and the establishment of pullet rearing infrastructure in Preiļi. These projects form part of the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen export competitiveness and develop a fully integrated egg production platform in the Baltic region.
Upon completion, Alūksne will be home to one of the most advanced egg production complexes in the Baltics, covering the entire value chain, from feed production and pullet rearing to egg production, grading, packing, and by-product processing.
Construction in Alūksne progressing according to plan
Construction of the three new laying hen houses in Alūksne is currently progressing at full pace. The facilities will be equipped with modern cage-free housing systems. Construction works are being carried out by Aimasa Ltd., while construction supervision is provided by Būves un būvsistēmas Ltd. Equipment for the laying hens will be supplied by Big Dutchman, one of the world’s leading poultry industry technology providers.
Pile installation has already been completed for all three buildings. Structural framework installation has been completed for one of the houses, with roofing works currently underway. Installation of the first cage-free housing systems is expected to commence within the next month.
“Construction in Alūksne is progressing in line with the planned schedule, and we are pleased with the progress achieved so far. This investment programme will not only significantly increase the company’s production capacity but will also create new jobs in the Alūksne municipality. At the same time, we are building modern and sustainable production infrastructure that will strengthen the competitiveness and export potential of Latvia’s food production sector over the long term,” says Hermanis Dovgijs, Chairman of the Management Board of Alūksnes Putnu Ferma Ltd.
Egg grading centre modernisation and organic fertiliser production development
Alongside the construction works, the company continues the design phase for the reconstruction of its egg grading and packing centre in Alūksne. Upon completion, the facility will be equipped with a new grading line that is more than 2.5 times more powerful than the existing one and incorporates a high degree of automation and artificial intelligence technologies.
The company is also developing plans for an organic fertiliser production facility, enabling the full utilisation of by-products generated during egg production and further strengthening its circular economy approach.
Development of pullet rearing infrastructure in Preiļi
At the same time, the company is preparing for the next stage of development in Preiļi. The reconstruction project has been submitted to the Preiļi Municipality Construction Board, and preparatory works for the installation of pullet rearing equipment will commence immediately thereafter.
Following completion of the project, the company will, for the first time, rear pullets for its own needs in Latvia, thereby completing the full biological production cycle and significantly reducing dependence on imported pullets.
“Demand for eggs produced in cage-free systems continues to grow rapidly across European retail and food manufacturing markets. This investment programme marks an important development milestone for the Agrova Group, enabling us to significantly increase production volumes, serve export customers even more efficiently, and establish a fully integrated production platform in Latvia. This is a critical prerequisite for strengthening our competitiveness in European markets over the long term and creating greater added value for the Latvian economy,” says Jurijs Adamovičs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Agrova Baltics and Founder of Agrova International.
All projects within the investment programme are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2027. Upon completion, the company’s total laying hen capacity will reach approximately 1.04 million birds, while annual egg production will increase to approximately 280 million eggs.