The FINANCIAL — Lagidze Water is a fizzy drink which was invented by MitrophaneLagidze in 1887. Since then it has become an integral part of Georgian history. All of the drinks’ flavours are made from natural syrups with the same secret recipe and technology used as when they were originally invented. Only natural components are used – fresh fruits and herbs from different regions of Georgia.
MitrophaneLagidze was born in June 22, 1869 in a simple, small village outside Kutaisi. Mitrophane was just 14 years old when he started working in a pharmacy in Kutaisi. However, he did not intend to be a pharmacist for the rest of his life. Mitrophane always dreamed of something far greater, which was when the history of the famous Georgian lemonade began. He was determined to turn his idea into a reality, so he kept exploring the production process of non-alcoholic drinks. He decided to use only natural fruits in his production process.
In 1887 he created a unique recipe for lemonade which remains a secret even today. This lemonade became very popular throughout the whole of Western Georgia from 1900, when Lagidze independently built a factory and started the production of natural lemonades.
Mitrophane wanted to create his own brand and to achieve more success in his favourite job. In 1902 he travelled to Germany and France, where he studied new technologies and mechanisms.
One of the famous Georgian painter GigoZaziashvili created the trademark and the label, that were designed for the factories in Tbilisi ad Kutaisi. In 1990 MitrophaneLagidze independently built a lemonade factory and began the production of natural lemonades, that soon gained huge popularity in the whole Western Georgia. Oneof the most popular Georgian writer AkakiTsereteli dedicated promptly the poem to the “Lagidze Waters”, opened in Kutaisi.
Following that, Mitrophane started importing glass bottles from France. He also created a very inspirational label for his own brand. He commissioned the painting of a Georgian woman on the label, wearing a traditional Georgian headdress. The following words that were written on the label were successful in attracting many customers: “Demand it everywhere. It has a unique taste and smell.” You will agree with these words as soon as you taste Lagidze lemonade as it truly is delicious and clearly high quality.
Only 100% natural syrups (lemon, tarragon, pear) are used in Lagidze lemonades and the sellers always say to customers that if they want to be beautiful and attractive they have to drink Lagidze Water.
The first branded shop opened in Tbilisi in 1906. The shop was located on Rustaveli Avenue and quickly became a most popular meeting place for people.
Many countries have been interested in the fragrant waters of Mitrophane Lagidze. They have received invitations from Iran, Egypt and other countries to start production in those countries. However despite being offered quite favourable terms, these avenues were not pursued.
in 1904 Mitrophane built the first electrical power station in Kutaisi, that supplied the whole Kutaisi with electric power. He was first who started the manufacturing of barite. Later in 1934 he also built the factory for production of carbon dioxide.
Lagidze waters were offered to participants of historic intergovernmental conferences in 1943, Tegeran and 1945 in Yalta.
Mitrophane Lagidze may have died at the age of 91, but his lemonades never have. His descendants continue their family business in order to preserve history. The story of the founder of this brand is a great example of the unlimited possibilities of a person.
In 2012 a “Lagidze Water” cafe was opened in the yard of Sameba Cathedral and soon this unique water received the status of being part of Georgia’s intangible cultural heritage.
In the 21st century, in the era of globalization, while there are many types of non-alcoholic beverages on the world market, Lagidze Water has successfully managed to compete and retain its individuality for over a century, and continues to do so.
