Funeral costs in Latvia have risen, more families choose cremation
Mārtiņš Bandenieks, head of the funeral companies "Tāle" and "Pauzers", says a funeral that could be arranged for 600 euros a few years ago now costs considerably more. Cost is one reason cremation is chosen more often.
Funeral costs in Latvia have risen markedly in recent years. A few years ago, relatives could arrange a funeral for 600 euros, but the final farewell now costs considerably more. Mārtiņš Bandenieks, head of the funeral companies "Tāle" and "Pauzers", spoke about the price increases in the sector in an interview with the news portal Delfi.
He explained what lies behind the increase. Cost is one of the reasons why more and more people choose cremation instead of traditional burial in the ground, because the difference between the two options is substantial.
Companies based mainly in Tukums municipality
Both companies operate mainly in Tukums municipality. "Tāle" has offices in Tukums and Kandava, while "Pauzers" has another office in Tukums.
Bandenieks also described the competitive environment. In most Latvian municipalities, one or two larger service providers have settled into place, and in some areas there are three or four companies. In Tukums municipality, "Tāle" and "Pauzers" hold a significant share of the market, though smaller competitors are active as well.
Competition is not the only barrier to expansion
Expanding in the funeral business is made harder by more than competition. Companies also need to know local burial traditions well, which can differ from place to place.
The source does not give specific current funeral prices, so the exact scale of the increase cannot be determined from the available information. What is clear is that prices have risen considerably and that this is influencing people's choice in favour of cremation.
