The Big Comeback After 50 Years

Murree Brewery has made history. After 50 years, Pakistan’s oldest brewery resumes beer exports to international markets. This milestone marks a significant shift for the 165-year-old company.

The company shipped its first export order in September 2025. Moreover, the shipment was worth $30,000. Therefore, this opens new revenue streams for Pakistan’s sole alcohol manufacturer.

Exclusive Export Rights and Government Approval

Murree Brewery holds a unique position. It’s the only brewery in Pakistan with export permissions. Additionally, it’s the country’s sole alcohol exporter.

The Punjab Excise Department granted official approval in October 2025. However, the company faced initial concerns about local supply shortages. Nevertheless, the government approved the export plans.

Furthermore, Murree Brewery established a dedicated export department. This department handles all international operations and market development.

Target Markets: UK, Portugal, and Japan

Currently, Murree Brewery exports to two countries. The UK and Portugal receive regular shipments. Meanwhile, Japan remains a future target market.

The company focuses exclusively on non-Muslim countries. This strategy aligns with Islamic principles and Pakistani regulations. Consequently, the brewery targets specific geographic regions.

Market establishment takes time in the competitive beer industry. Therefore, Murree Brewery plans a 3-4 year timeline. The global beer market is saturated with established brands. However, the company remains optimistic about gradual growth.

165 Years of Brewing Excellence

Murree Brewery started in 1860. British colonizers founded it to serve troops stationed in the subcontinent. After Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the Bhandara family acquired ownership.

Today, the company operates from two locations. The main facility is in Rawalpindi. Additionally, a second plant operates in Hattar. Both facilities produce alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The brewery runs three divisions. The Liquor division produces beer and spirits. The Tops division makes soft drinks. Moreover, the Glass division manufactures bottles and containers.

Murree Brewery is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Therefore, it maintains transparent financial reporting and corporate governance.

Export Performance vs. Domestic Constraints

Interestingly, non-alcoholic exports currently exceed beer exports. The monthly beer export value stands at $30,000. However, this figure is expected to grow steadily.

Pakistan’s domestic market presents unique challenges. Muslims cannot legally purchase alcohol under Islamic law. Consequently, only 4% of the population can buy these products legally. This 96% market restriction limits domestic growth significantly.

Therefore, international exports become crucial for revenue diversification. The brewery seeks to offset domestic limitations through global expansion.

Recent Business Developments

Murree Brewery invested Rs. 1.5 billion in FY2025. This capital went toward infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansion. Moreover, the company installed a new glass furnace.

The brewery also secured approval for price increases. Prices rose by 10-15% to offset production costs. Additionally, this helps maintain profit margins.

Financial performance remains strong. In Q1 FY2026, the company posted Rs. 960 million in profit. Therefore, the business maintains healthy growth despite market restrictions.

Challenges in Global Beer Markets

Breaking into international markets isn’t easy. Established brands dominate the UK, Portugal, and Japanese markets. Furthermore, consumer loyalty runs deep in the alcohol industry.

Murree Brewery faces additional challenges. The company must build brand recognition from scratch. Moreover, it competes with centuries-old European and Asian breweries.

Distribution networks require time to establish. Therefore, the 3-4 year growth timeline is realistic. However, the company’s unique Pakistani heritage offers differentiation potential.

Future Outlook and Growth Strategy

Murree Brewery adopts a gradual expansion approach. The company prioritizes quality over rapid volume growth. Additionally, it focuses on sustainable market penetration.

Foreign exchange earnings benefit Pakistan’s economy. Therefore, successful exports contribute to national development. The brewery creates a model for other Pakistani manufacturers.

Long-term goals include establishing Murree beer as a recognized international brand. Moreover, exports should become a significant revenue stream. The company targets market share growth in all three countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can international distributors partner with Murree Brewery for beer imports?

International distributors should contact Murree Brewery’s export department directly via their head office. Partnership opportunities exist in non-Muslim countries only. The company established a dedicated export team in 2025 specifically for international distribution partnerships.

Q: What beer brands does Murree Brewery export internationally?

Murree Brewery exports its flagship Murree Beer brand internationally. The company produces lager-style beer that meets international quality standards. Additionally, they manufacture other alcoholic beverages including whiskey and vodka for potential export markets.

Q: Does Murree Brewery ship directly to consumers internationally?

No, Murree Brewery does not ship directly to individual consumers. The company works exclusively through licensed distributors and importers. This business model ensures compliance with international alcohol regulations and distribution laws in target countries.

Q: Does Murree Brewery export beer to international markets?

Yes, Murree Brewery exports beer to the UK and Portugal. The company resumed exports in September 2025 after a 50-year gap. Additionally, plans exist to export to Japan.

Q: Which countries import Pakistani beer from Murree Brewery?

Currently, the UK and Portugal import Murree beer. The brewery targets non-Muslim countries exclusively. Japan is the next planned market for Pakistani beer exports.

Q: Is Murree Brewery a publicly traded company in Pakistan?

Yes, Murree Brewery is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The company trades under the symbol “MLCF” (Murree Brewery Company Limited). Therefore, financial statements and quarterly reports are publicly available through PSX regulatory filings.

Q: What is the annual revenue of Murree Brewery from exports?

Current beer exports generate approximately $360,000 annually ($30,000 monthly). However, this figure is projected to grow significantly over 3-4 years. Non-alcoholic exports through the Tops division contribute additional revenue to total export earnings.

Q: Who owns Murree Brewery and when was it established?

The Bhandara family has owned Murree Brewery since 1947. The company was originally established in 1860 by the British. Therefore, it’s Pakistan’s oldest operational brewery with over 165 years of brewing history.

Q: What type of beer does Murree Brewery produce for export markets?

Murree Brewery produces lager-style beer for export markets. The beer follows traditional brewing methods established in 1860. Additionally, the product meets international quality and safety standards required by UK and European Union regulations.

Q: Are Murree Brewery products halal certified for Muslim consumers?

No, alcoholic products from Murree Brewery are not halal certified. The company produces alcohol exclusively for non-Muslim consumers. Pakistani law permits non-Muslims to purchase alcohol legally. Therefore, exports target non-Muslim countries only.

Q: What is the alcohol content in Murree Brewery export beer?

Murree Beer typically contains 5-6% alcohol by volume (ABV). This standard lager strength meets international market expectations. The exact ABV varies slightly by batch but remains consistent with global beer standards.

Q: Why did Murree Brewery choose UK and Portugal for beer exports?

Murree Brewery selected the UK for its large South Asian diaspora community. Portugal offers a growing craft beer market with fewer established competitors. Both countries have streamlined alcohol import regulations. Therefore, these markets provide strategic entry points for Pakistani beer.

Q: How does Murree Brewery compete with established European beer brands?

Murree Brewery competes through heritage storytelling and unique Pakistani origin. The 165-year history provides brand authenticity. Additionally, competitive pricing and quality standards help penetrate saturated markets. The company focuses on niche positioning rather than mass-market competition.

Q: Can I buy Murree Brewery beer online for international delivery?

Currently, Murree Brewery beer is available only through licensed distributors in the UK and Portugal. Online purchasing depends on local distributor arrangements. International shipping of alcohol requires compliance with destination country regulations. Therefore, check with local importers for availability.

Q: How much does Murree Brewery earn from beer exports monthly?

Murree Brewery’s beer exports generate approximately $30,000 monthly. However, this figure is expected to grow as the company establishes its international presence over 3-4 years.

Q: Why did Murree Brewery stop exports for 50 years?

The brewery focused on domestic markets after 1970. Pakistan’s regulatory environment and market restrictions influenced this decision. Therefore, international expansion wasn’t prioritized until recently.

Q: Can Murree Brewery export alcohol to Muslim countries?

No, Murree Brewery only exports to non-Muslim countries. This policy respects Islamic principles and Pakistani regulations. Therefore, Middle Eastern markets are excluded from export plans.

Q: What other products does Murree Brewery export besides beer?

Murree Brewery exports non-alcoholic beverages through its Tops division. Interestingly, non-alcoholic exports currently exceed beer export values. The company also manufactures glass containers.

Conclusion

Murree Brewery’s return to international beer exports represents a historic achievement. After half a century, Pakistan’s oldest brewery competes globally again. Moreover, this expansion diversifies revenue beyond restrictive domestic markets.

The journey ahead requires patience and strategic execution. However, the company’s 165-year legacy provides a strong foundation. Furthermore, unique Pakistani brewing heritage offers competitive differentiation.