Spēka

In 1989, I, Juris, one of the founders of Baltic Marketing, was finishing my masters in analytical biochemistry, but, also, keeping a close eye on events in Latvia - independence was budding and there were opportunities. So after presenting my thesis, together with friends, I pursued Baltic Marketing full time. We started with exports from the US - representing Apple computer, setting up the first "non-Soviet" publishing system for a newspaper in 1990, as Latvia was regaining independence. In sending computers, transportation development was needed (enter now co-owner Anita) which, as Latvian manufacturing evolved, led to imports to the US. In 2018 we evaluated a product from Latvia - a cottage cheese bar - as an afternoon snack. To achieve a smoother product consistency we rolled the cottage cheese so it became more or less like cream cheese. We experimented with several combinations of ingredients, but the one where we added whey protein generated the most interest. We added whey protein (highly absorbable), enough to give it richness, but not pastiness. The result was a nutritionally balanced bar, carbs for immediate energy, but protein (8 grams) and fat that gave lasting energy. For example having a Sp?ka at 3 pm, would erase hunger until dinnertime. But besides being satiating, there was a surprising feature - cheesecake taste. However unlike cheesecake, it contained significantly less sugar and had a much lower calorie count / serving. In comparison to other protein bars Speka was predominantly "real-food"., of course, all natural. We started with three varieties - Vanilla, Salted Caramel and with added Greek Yogurt, and later Lemon Creme. The Salted Caramel, which we are entering is the most unique - we use an American caramel flavoring combined with the European bar to create a unique taste and satisfying experience.