Rawalpindi-made beer to be exported to non-Muslim countries

RAWALPINDI: In a historic turn for Pakistan’s oldest beverage maker, Murree Brewery Company Limited has received official permission to export its beer to non-Muslim countries, reopening a chapter that had been closed for decades.  

The company, known for its popular Bigg Apple, Malt 79, Apple Malt, Tops juice, and a range of jams and fruit drinks produced in Chaklala Cantt near Ayub Park Rawalpindi, disclosed the news during its Annual General Meeting and Corporate Briefing Session.  

Brewing comeback on global stage  

Murree Brewery said it has set up a dedicated export department to tap into international markets. However, the management noted that exports remain limited for now, as the company is gradually re-establishing its presence abroad amid an oversupplied global beer market. Officials said beer exports are expected to grow steadily over the next three to four years.  

For the moment, the company’s non-alcoholic products account for a larger share of its foreign sales, bringing in around US$30,000 per month. The management also clarified that the government’s approval applies only to Murree Brewery, not to its Chinese joint venture, as there is no blanket permission for alcoholic beverage exports from Pakistan.  

Expanding capacity and price revision  

The company has also received approval from the Excise Department for a 10 to 15 percent price increase on its products. During the current fiscal year, Murree Brewery spent Rs1.5 billion on capital projects, including installing a new glass furnace, which is typically replaced every 10 to 11 years.  

Despite ongoing investments, the brewery maintained a strong cash balance to meet working capital needs and cover potential legal contingencies. The management said production was briefly halted for three days earlier this year due to a political party strike but operations have since normalised.