Pyotr Arsenyevich Smirnov

Pyotr Arsenyevich Smirnov – a Russian entrepreneur, a merchant of the first guild, a hereditary honorary citizen, a commercial counselor, and a supplier to His Imperial Majesty's Court. The Smirnovs were peasants who in 1857 were granted their freedom. Having gained their liberty, Arseny Smirnov, together with his brothers and his sons Yakov and Pyotr, moved to Moscow and began building an alcohol empire. In the capital their business prospered: Arseny Alekseevich received the rank of merchant of the first guild and made Pyotr his manager. By 1860 Pyotr Smirnov had become a merchant of the third guild and owned two wine establishments. In 1871 Smirnov became a merchant of the first guild, the owner of a large metropolitan enterprise and warehouses, and entered the Russian business elite.

Pyotr Smirnov treated his employees well: he built housing for them, hospitals, ensured good wages and did not impose heavy fines. During Smirnov's leadership there was not a single strike at his enterprise. Smirnov's vodka quickly gained popularity. Later he began producing infused vodkas, nalivki (fruit liqueurs) and liqueurs. Smirnov's products received honorary awards at international exhibitions in Vienna (1873) and Philadelphia (1876). In 1877 the firm received the right to use the state coat of arms on its labels. In 1886 Smirnov became a supplier to the Imperial Court. By decree of Alexander III, Pyotr Smirnov and members of his family were granted the rank of hereditary honorary citizens. Pyotr Arsenyevich Smirnov died on 29 November 1898.