Construction has officially begun on a new $344 million soft drinks production facility by Carlsberg Kazakhstan in the Almaty Region, Kazakh Invest reports.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by high-level officials, including Gabidulla Ospankulov, Head of the Committee for Investment at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; regional government representatives; diplomats; and senior executives from Carlsberg Group and PepsiCo.
Located in the Ili District on a 17-hectare site, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 1 billion liters of beverages. Output will be licensed under PepsiCo and distributed across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Commercial operations are slated to begin in 2026.
The project will generate over 230 new jobs and significantly boost local sourcing — already a hallmark of Carlsberg’s operations in Kazakhstan. The company currently sources 80% of its raw materials locally, including barley, wheat, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and cardboard — all procured almost entirely from Kazakh producers.
“Carlsberg Group has invested approximately $640 million in Kazakhstan to date. This new $344 million project reaffirms the company’s long-term commitment and will serve as a catalyst for the region’s food and beverage industry,” said Ospankulov. “The plant will create hundreds of jobs, expand the use of domestic inputs, and contribute to the country’s export potential.”
This strategic investment underscores Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a manufacturing hub in Central Asia — combining regional market access, local supply chains, and strong public-private collaboration.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Sept. 19, 2025