For this reason, Rūta regularly participates in EU-funded projects, and in order to increase its productivity and competitiveness in international value chains, the company has taken advantage of the “Regio Invest LT+” measure of the Innovation Agency and purchased a modern chocolate production line.
According to Sigita Skrebė, Head of the Business Productivity Projects Division of the Investment Management Department of the Innovation Agency, the acquisition of modern production equipment has contributed to the productivity, competitiveness and revenue growth of the company.
“The modern chocolate production line acquired by UAB Rūta during the project is designed for the production of 100–500 g of chocolate and chocolate with brittle fillings. The introduction of this production equipment has had an impact on the productivity and revenue growth, as well as on the increase of competitiveness both in the domestic and foreign markets,” says the expert of the Innovation Agency.
The total value of the project was EUR 626 000, of which almost EUR 220 000 was financed by an EU funding call.
According to Ms Skrebė, the main objective of the “Regio Invest LT+” measure is to enable companies to invest in business start and development, producing innovative products and rendering services that will increase the productivity of companies, accelerate the development of Lithuanian regions, and help them grow economically.
“The “Regio Invest LT+” measure is aimed at the introduction of modern technologies through the adaptation of existing and the creation of new production and service capacities. For example, in the case of UAB Rūta, the funding was for the acquisition of new production lines and the modernisation of existing production technologies. In addition to the above-mentioned company, companies from various sectors such as food, furniture, chemicals, accommodation and healthcare services have already benefited from this measure,” adds Ms Skrebė.
According to Ms Gilaitienė, Director of Rūta, the company has successfully implemented around 30 EU-funded projects, which have helped the confectionery factory that has been in operation for more than a hundred years to keep up with innovation, increase the competitiveness, meet the demand for its products, and create new jobs.
A family business recognised by chocolate lovers
The history of the Rūta confectionery factory dates back to 1913, when Antanas Gricevičius started cooking caramel in a large kettle and the “Rūta” sign was put on a wooden house in the centre of the city of Šiauliai. Although the production was going well, nobody expected that one day that small house would turn into one of the longest-running confectionery factories not only in Lithuania, but also in Europe.
The factory was nationalised in 1940, then returned to the founder’s relatives after the restoration of Independence, and today, 111 years later, it continues to create legends of flavour that amaze with craftsmanship, the authenticity of Lithuanian recipes, traditions and top quality. The company offers more than 300 different types of chocolate products, including speciality groups (sugar-free confectionery, freeze-dried dragee, protein snacks).
When asked about the secret of success of the legendary confectionery factory, the director says that it is a family business, with as many as four generations already involved in its development. Rūta has always focused on high quality and the use of natural raw materials, and its operations have always been guided by three core values: knowledge, diligence and love for sweets. According to Ms Gilaitienė, this is what has helped to win the recognition of confectionery lovers.
Sweets made in Rūta go as far as Taiwan
In addition, customers appreciate the fact that Rūta prefers Lithuanian raw materials: strawberries, blackcurrants, sea buckthorn, pumpkins, royal jelly, pollen, honey and nuts grown and picked in our land are transformed into the most delicious candy fillings or condiments in the Rūta factory, which are highly valued not only in Lithuania, but also abroad. Ambition and hard work have helped the company to conquer new markets, as has the development of innovative solutions.
“Although we sell most of our products in Lithuania, we also export a significant amount to other countries. For example, Germany, Great Britain, Taiwan, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, the USA, Canada…,” shares Ms Gilaitienė. Moreover, Rūta products are even exported to Belgium, the chocolate capital of the world, and the successful efforts of the business to bring quality products to the market are also demonstrated by the numerous awards it has won in competitions – there are more than 40 of them awarded throughout the history of the company, and, according to the director, this is not the end.
Today, Rūta employs about 250 people, owns 20 stores, a café and the only chocolate museum in Lithuania. The director of the company does not conceal the fact that business development constantly faces various challenges, but the Rūta team always finds a solution in each case.
When asked about the vision of the company, Ms Gilaitienė says that the goal is not only to uphold the centuries-old business traditions, but also to remain innovative, keep up with the technologies that are advancing every day and apply them to the production process.
“Our vision is to preserve what has been encoded in our roots since the very beginning of Rūta activity: the quality of our products, a varied assortment that meets the needs of our customers, and at the same time to remain innovative, not afraid to innovate and improve,” comments Ms Gilaitienė.
The “Regio Invest LT+” measure is implemented under the Programme for the EU Funds’ Investments 2014–2020.
