Six Bauska Municipality Businesses Recognized in Latvia's Best Trader 2025 Competition
Four businesses from Bauska municipality won their categories, while two others became laureates in the competition organized by the Latvian Traders Association.
The awards ceremony for the "Latvia's Best Trader 2025" competition, organized by the Latvian Traders Association (LTA), took place on Thursday, July 9, in Riga. The event honored outstanding trade, catering, and service sector companies from across the country, including six from Bauska municipality. Four of these companies won first place in their respective categories, and two received laureate status.
Winners In the category "Small shops, gas stations, pharmacies, kiosks, e-shops," SIA "Gafū" was declared the winner. The fitness club "Mogo," operated by SIA "NI," triumphed in the category "Sports and recreation centers/parks up to 500 square meters." The flower and Latvian-made goods store "I.dille" (SIA "Vincis") won in "Eco and specialized shops up to 100 square meters," and Vecumnieki pizzeria "Pie Martas un Marijas" (SIA "Ribka") took first place in "Catering services up to 100 square meters."
Laureates The laureates were Bauska restaurant "Tornis" (in the category "Guest houses, rural tourism objects") and Codes parish recreation house "Dole" (in the category "Catering services over 100 square meters").
Appreciation Jānis Kalinka, deputy executive director of Bauska municipality council, highlighted that this year's nominees demonstrate the diversity of local entrepreneurship and the creation of local identity. He noted that businesses combine traditions with a modern approach, offering not just products but also experience and a sense of belonging.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Edgars Tavars, Chairman of the Latvian Association of Local Governments Gints Kaminskis, and representatives from other municipalities. Musical entertainment was provided by kokle player Dārta Krūmiņa. SIA "Dormers" (brand "Oak’A BBQ") offered a surprise gift of spices and sauces.
The "Latvia's Best Trader" competition has been running for over 30 years. Participants are evaluated by an independent commission using the "secret shopper" method, assessing service quality, environment, assortment, and adherence to industry best practices.
