“Discover Russia’s Iconic Manufacturers: From Imperial Porcelain to Abrau-Durso Wines”

2023-04-16 08:00:00

Imperial Porcelain Factory

Services from this St. Petersburg enterprise are now valued no less than 100-200 years ago. The Neva Porcelain Manufactory was founded in 1744 (this is how the production was originally called).

The main technologist and inspirer of the process was the chemist Dmitry Vinogradov: it was he who developed the ideal composition of the porcelain mass for elegant products, strong and bright colors and gold powder for a noticeable decor.

The first samples that he was satisfied with in terms of quality date back to 1747, in 1756 a porcelain service was already created for Elizaveta Petrovna (and right away – for ceremonial dinners!). Glory grew so fast that already in 1765 the manufactory received the honorary name “Imperial Porcelain Factory”.

For a long time, originality was confirmed by the stigma of the reigning monarch on the bottom, in the Soviet years it was the abbreviation LFZ, now there is a company logo of the plant with a double-headed eagle.

Pavloposad Shawl Manufactory

It is here that the famous colorful scarves are produced, warm and unambiguously recognizable. The foundation of the manufactory is already in 1795 (by the way, a very handicraft production has outgrown into a full-fledged manufactory). Printed shawls (woolen/semi-woolen) have been produced here since the 1850s, and each (every!) shawl was unique.

And now there are unique scarves in the collection, but there are also thematic series, popular options: Gatherings, Crane, Scarlet Flower, White Roses. Typical shades are unbleached linen (yellowish white), black and burgundy.

Of the drawings, flowers, bouquets, ornaments and other floral motifs are popular. Scarves are equally popular both in Russia and abroad, they serve as a popular souvenir among foreign tourists.

Confectionery Concern “Babaevsky”

“Bear-toed bear”, “Squirrel”, chocolates “Babaevsky” and “Inspiration”… All these dear, dear sweets are produced by the United Confectioners holding company under the Babaevsky brand.

The plant was founded in 1804 as a family workshop of Abrikosov confectioners. They were among the first in Russia to start decorating elegant, colorful boxes of chocolates, introducing the tradition of sweet gifts for any holidays.

And how the children dreamed of getting them! The forerunner of the modern name appeared following the revolution of 1917, when the enterprise was nationalized and named following the party member Pyotr Babaev.

Confectionery factory “Red October”

Another one of the legendary confectionery and chocolate factories of our country. Its history began thanks to the German from Württemberg, Theodor Ferdinand von Einem: he opened his confectionery in Moscow in 1851. The business grew and expanded, von Einem even supplied sweets to the table of the imperial family!

As you might guess, the actual name appeared following the nationalization of the factory following the Great October Revolution. Since 2002, like the Babaevsky concern, it has been part of the United Confectioners.

Many of the brands of Krasny Oktyabr are known to entire generations of Russians: Kara-Kum, Cancer necks, Little Red Riding Hood and the famous Alenka chocolate bar. The company keeps its finger on the pulse and regularly releases special products for significant events:

  • Flight of Gagarin – candy “Space”,
  • Moscow Olympics-80 – sweets “Volleyball”, “Lights of Moscow” and “Finish”.

Imperial Tula Arms Factory

He began work on the decree of Peter I in 1712: this is the oldest arms factory in our country. He kept abreast of the technological pulse of the times: in 1720 he produced guns and pistols with a flintlock, in 1749 he began to produce edged weapons (swords, blades, sabers).

Later, already in the 20th century, the famous Maxim machine guns and Mosin rifles, TT pistols, grenade launchers, guided anti-tank missiles and much more were produced here.

Concern “Kalashnikov”

Another respected arms company, which today produces up to 95% of small arms in Russia. It traces its history since 1807, having opened in Izhevsk on the basis of a destroyed iron ore plant.

200 foreign specialists started working here, Russian masters at first only studied with foreign colleagues. The heyday is usually counted from 1948, when the famous designer Mikhail Kalashnikov came to work here – it was in his honor that the Izhevsk Arms Plant was renamed in 2013.

“Abrau-Durso”

This is the oldest and most famous producer of sparkling wines in Russia. Its history began with the order of Emperor Alexander II in 1870.

By the way, Abrau is a lake, and Durso is a river, near which the plant is located.

The first vines were purchased in Europe: the famous agronomist Fedor Geyduk was responsible for them. The first crop was harvested in 1877, and the first sparkling wines began to be sold in 1898 – but above all, of course, they were served at imperial receptions.

After the October Revolution, the factory what? That’s right, they nationalized it, but they gave it a monopoly to produce sparkling wines using classical technology. The whole story almost ended during the Great Patriotic War, when the vineyards were endangered. Thank God, the territory was liberated, and production and planting were restored.

In 1975, the first sparkling wine appeared here, which began to be actively sold abroad – it was an export version of Soviet Champagne called Nazdorovya.

The 90s hit hard on the well-being of Abrau-Durso. But it was bought out by the SVL company and a new dawn came: now the village of Abrau-Dyurso is considered the enogastronomic center of Russia, and the vineyards are spread over more than 3,000 hectares.

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