Kassatly Chtaura plans new brewery

Capacity could reach 20 million liters

Kassatly Chtaura, local manufacturer of food and beverages, will open a new brewery in its Bekaa facility. The factory will start producing beer in late 2014, and will target the local market, as well as Syria, Jordan, and African countries.

Nayef Kassatly, CEO of Kassatly Chtaura, said: “Although the market is monopolized by one beer brand, this new brewery will create a competitive environment.” Besides Almaza, another local beer, 961, has been produced and marketed on a limited scale during the last few years.

The production capacity of the brewery will reach 20 million liters yearly. Beer consumption in the local market reaches five liters per capita, while it exceeds 100 liters in European countries. “Our aim is to increase beer consumption to ten liters per capita,” said Kassatly.

An existing 2,000 square meter warehouse will be converted into a factory. The new facility is expected to create about 50 jobs, including marketing and sales positions.

Kassatly said the cost of investment will reach $13 million, including equipment and machines. The company benefited from a loan subsidized by the Central Bank (BDL) worth $6 million.

Kassatly Chtaura will resort to foreign expertise to execute the project. Kassatly said they bought the machines, the brewing process, and knowhow from Germany, and German experts will aid them in initiating the project.

Brewery machines will be delivered at the beginning of 2014. Kassatly Chtaura is still considering options for its new product’s brand name.