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IISALMEN OLUTTEHDAS OY IS ESTABLISHED

On 5th October, 1878, a gathering took place at the Iisalmi town inn to deliberate over the establishment of a brewery.  Eight distinguished community members of Iisalmi attended the gathering which was lead by Gustaf Ignatius, the town pharmacist. Also present was William Gideon Åberg, a Master Brewer and the superintendent of Kuopion Lahdentaan panimo (brewery), who was invited for his expertise.

In 1880, beer was sold from the brewery for the first time. As the popularity of mild drinks increases, Iisalmen Oluttehdas Oy also commences in 1892 to manufacture home-brewed beer and mead and in 1906, lemonade.

In 1919 the share capital of Iisalmen Oluttehdas Oy is transferred to E.W.Åberg and development of the operation of the brewery coincides with the commencement of the Prohibition Act period.
   

 

Olvi’s yard in the early 20 th Century.

In 1925 Kajaanin Kalja Oy is founded. Following a perceived opening in the market in 1920, Iisalmen Oluttehdas Oy established a sales storage depot and offices in Kajaani. The demand for mild malt beverages and soft drinks was so high at that point that the focus of the operation was already then being transferred to Kajaani.
   Company’s first lorry loaded with malt beverages in 1924.

In 1932 the Prohibition Act is repealed. The name of Kajaanin Kalja is changed to Oluttehdas Oiva Oy and Iisalmen Oluttehdas Oy, together with its machinery, is leased to a new company. The manufacture of medium strength III lager is recommenced at Oiva after a 15 year break.

A lighter II lager was also produced but failed to find acceptance from consumers who disagreed with the Prohibition. Production of "mellan" (light lager) at Oiva was terminated already in 1933.

In 1938 Oluttehdas Oiva Oy and Iisalmen Oluttehdas Oy merge to form Oiva.

In 1942 on order of the Ministry of Supply the production of medium strength III lager for the domestic market is terminated. Oiva is permitted to produce medium strength III lager from their own malts for the German detachments, while sales of the Lightest I lager and soft drinks are rocketing In 1952, the name of the factory is changed to Olvi Oy. Initially the name was intended to be abbreviated to Oiva Oy, however, the Ministry of Trade and Industry did not permit it. When the brewery, Olvi Oy, from Helsinki terminated its operations, Oiva bought the company name and logo for its own use.