At a time when the world is forced to rethink its current order and pace, many companies, especially local ones, have to look for creative and unconventional solutions to continue their operations. Those who succeed retrain or look for other sales channels. Others helplessly watch as everything they have diligently built collapses. Could hotels and guest houses host those affected by quarantine? Could taxi drivers become couriers? Or... A very successful example is the ability of local chemical and cosmetic manufacturers to rapidly begin the production of disinfectants, adapting to both state and market requirements. It is also heartening to see many service providers finding opportunities to continue advising or serving clients remotely.

Meanwhile, for small local alcohol producers, this is a time of unexpected turns and trials - most public recreational venues and events are closed or cancelled, including tours and tastings. Fortunately, shops are still open! Under these circumstances, it is a pleasure that the government reacted quickly and with understanding, hearing the industry's recommendation to allow the sale of alcohol online. Since 22 March, we are allowed to sell our goods through distance contracts. Although these amendments to the regulations have been adopted within the framework of the crisis law and will remain in force until its repeal for the time being, hopefully, we will be able to use and develop this sales channel even when the storm has calmed. For producers, it provides an opportunity to include their products in the assortment of various food and beverage online stores, to offer customers special drinks in limited quantities that supermarkets would not otherwise (under normal circumstances) purchase, as well as to serve customers across a wide area of Latvia.

"Support local!" is not an empty slogan, but perhaps the most meaningful call to action right now that can save many, many local businesses. In Latvia, alongside large alcohol manufacturers, small wineries also operate successfully, many of which have been established on the farms of active and creative farmers. Abavas vīna darītava, currently the largest winery in Latvia, operated with a turnover of 1 million euros last year and paid 300,000 euros in taxes alone to the State Treasury, and currently continues to employ 20 people. Needless to say, we, the owners of Abavas, our employees and their families are patriots of this country!