With a population of 19 million people, the Kazakh beer market continues to grow. In 2021, the market recovered after a slight decline in 2020, despite the continued impact of quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The beer market has experienced 100% growth since 1999 and it offers strong growth and profit potential.
In 2003 Carlsberg entered the beer market of Kazakhstan after becoming majority shareholder in the local Irbis brewery (through the JV BBH). Later in 2003 Carlsberg acquired one more local brewery Ak-Nar, which produces the popular local beer Derbes. Later that same year these two breweries were merged into one on the production site of Ak-Nar Brewery. By 2006, the Ak-Nar Brewery was renamed into the Derbes Brewery Ltd.
Following the results of 2021, Carlsberg Kazakhstan took first place in the Kazakh beer market in volume in the Off-trade channel, reaching a share of 45.3%.The brewery production capacity is 2.3 million hL per year, the company employs over 450 people.
Today the Carlsberg Kazakhstan portfolio has more than 30 beer brands such as Carlsberg, 1664 Blanc, Holsten, Tuborg, Baltika, Zatecky Gus, Derbes, Irbis, Alma-Ata, etc. All brands hold strong leading positions in their segments of the market.
Managing Director, Carlsberg Kazakhstan
Senior Manager, GR& Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg Kazakhstan
1998 | Launch of Irbis brand |
1999 | Derbes beer launched on the eve of Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan |
2003 | Carlsberg acquires total share capital of the Ak-Nar Brewery and merges it with Irbis brewery |
2007 | Launch of Tuborg Green, the first licensed beer in Derbes' portfolio Carlsberg Kazakhstan becomes laureate of Kazakhstan Republic President's Prize "For achievements in the field of quality" |
2008 | Carlsberg Group acquires Scottish & Newcastle shares |
2009 | Carlsberg acquires 100% stake in Derbes Brewery |
2010 | Integration of Baltika Almaty, LLP to Derbes |
2010 | Company is re-named from Derbes to Carlsberg Kazakhstan |
2011 | Derbes beers receive three international quality awards – Gold Medal by Monde Selection, 2 Stars by iTQi, and Bronze by International Australian Beer Awards. |