Carlsberg’s US$344M plant set to make Kazakhstan a central Asia hub 

KAZAKHSTAN – Carlsberg Group has announced that Kazakhstan is poised to become one of its five largest global markets as it invests heavily in a new US$344 million soft drink plant in the Almaty Region.  

According to CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a cornerstone of Carlsberg’s Central Asian operations and one of the company’s three largest production plants worldwide. 

The Boraldai plant represents Carlsberg’s largest single investment in Kazakhstan since entering the market 27 years ago. Over that period, the company has invested nearly US$640 million, strengthening its role as a key player in the region’s beverage industry. 

Aarup-Andersen highlighted Kazakhstan’s stable investment environment and reliable legal framework as central to Carlsberg’s long-term commitment. 

“In Central Asia, we could have picked many countries, but we picked Kazakhstan,” he said, noting that the company views the country not only as a market of 20 million consumers but also as a gateway to an estimated 80 million consumers across neighboring states, including the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. 

Carlsberg’s new plant will focus on soft drinks, including Pepsi Cola, 7UP, Mirinda, and selected energy drinks, reflecting a shift toward nonalcoholic beverages driven by global health and wellness trends.  

Aarup-Andersen stated that while Carlsberg maintains a strong beer portfolio, the real growth potential lies in non-alcoholic products as consumer preferences evolve. 

The Almaty Region facility will also serve as a benchmark for sustainability and innovation. Carlsberg has already cut carbon emissions in Kazakhstan by nearly 40% and reduced water consumption by half since 2015.  

The new plant will build on these achievements, prioritizing recyclable packaging, advanced water treatment and reuse, and automation to minimize waste. 

A dedicated on-site railway line will further enhance sustainability by shifting product distribution from trucks to rail, significantly reducing logistics-related emissions. Aarup-Andersen emphasized that this model reflects Carlsberg’s global approach to environmentally responsible operations. 

The project will also expand local sourcing. Carlsberg has increased its local procurement from 30% to 71% in three years, aiming for 80–90% in the near future. The plant is expected to create 230 new jobs, adding to the company’s current 500 positions in Kazakhstan. 

Sugar production will be a key driver for local agriculture, with the facility projected to use 150 tons of sugar daily. Aarup-Andersen noted that this demand could help strengthen Kazakhstan’s domestic sugar industry, creating opportunities for local farmers and suppliers. 

Carlsberg’s investment aligns with its four-pillar growth strategy, which includes strong positions in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China and Southeast Asia, and a Central Asian hub led by Kazakhstan

Aarup-Andersen said the Almaty plant is designed to set a new standard for soft drink production globally, reinforcing the company’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and regional economic development. 

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