Prilep Brewery

What Prilep Brewery does

Prilep Brewery (Прилепска Пиварница АД Прилеп) is a privately-held Macedonian joint-stock company founded in 1924 and headquartered at its production site in Prilep, North Macedonia. It is one of the most modern breweries in the Balkans, with an annual brewing capacity of 582,000 hectoliters, and manufactures its own beer brands (Zlaten Dab in lager/amber/dark variants, Krali Marko), its own carbonated soft drink Prilepska Gazoza, and serves as the exclusive authorized bottler for Pepsi Cola International brands (Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, Lipton Ice Tea) in North Macedonia since 1980.

The company's product portfolio also includes imported distributed brands: Carlsberg Group's Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, and Somersby (sourced from Carlsberg Bulgaria and U.R.R.B. Romania), as well as Knjaz Milos sparkling and mineral water, Guarana energy drinks, and Tube non-carbonated juices from Serbia. Production runs across four modern lines (PET beer at 11,000 bottles/hour, PET soft drinks at 10,000-14,000, glass at 30,000, cans at 20,000-23,000), supported by GEA, Krones, Pall, Centec, Zimmann, and Veolia equipment, with a proprietary cold membrane filtration system and CBSS PVPP stabilization unit. The brewery invested in a photovoltaic power plant in 2022 expected to cover 35% of its electricity needs.

Prilep Brewery monetizes through wholesale and direct-to-trade beverage sales, distributing its portfolio via 17+ distribution centers and a 75-strong commercialist field sales force operating 75 vehicles across North Macedonia, with regional distributors in select territories. It serves HORECA accounts (hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars) and retail outlets (supermarkets, convenience stores) nationwide, with strategic national accounts managed by a dedicated Key Account Manager. Pricing is negotiated per account and not publicly disclosed. Revenue figures are not disclosed, and the company is privately owned with a Supervisory Board and Management Board governance structure.

Name

Prilep Brewery

Legal name

Прилепска пиварница АД Прилеп

Website

https://prilepskapivarnica.com.mk

Company type

Public

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Prilep Brewery is a privately-held North Macedonian brewery (founded 1924) producing own beer brands (Zlaten Dab, Krali Marko), licensed Pepsi products, and imported Carlsberg and Knjaz Milos beverages for HORECA and retail customers across North Macedonia via a 17+ center distribution network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Brewing / Beverage Manufacturing

NAICS

Breweries (312120), Soft Drink Manufacturing (312111)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters (2086)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alcoholic Beverage Brand Owners & Holding Companies (Multi-category Portfolios) (CRADAIAL), Non-Carbonated Soft Drinks (Juice Drinks, Lemonades, Fruit Drinks) (CRADAHAB)

Keywords

• Beer production
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Beverage distribution
• Licensed bottling
• HORECA supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Prilep

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Own Beer Brands: Production and sale of own beer brands: Zlaten Dab (lager, amber, dark variants), Krali Marko, and Prilepska Gazoza. Brands marketed through own distribution network across North Macedonia.
2. Licensed Beverage Production (OEM/Co-packing): Authorized filler for Pepsi Cola International, producing Pepsi, Pepsi Lime, Pepsi Max/Zero, Mirinda Orange, Mirinda Lemon, and 7UP. Also produces Lipton Ice Tea under license. Revenue generated from toll manufacturing/contract filling fees.
3. Imported Branded Beverages: Importer of Knjaz Milos (sparkling water), Aqua Viva (mineral water), Guarana energy drinks (original, Aphrodisiac, Cactus, Mojito, Joker variants), and Tube non-carbonated juices. Also imports Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, and Somersby for distribution in North Macedonia.
4. Photovoltaic Energy Generation: Solar power generation for self-consumption, expected to cover 35% of total annual electricity needs, reducing energy cost economics.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Prilep Brewery manufactures and distributes beer and carbonated non-alcoholic beverages. Its own beer portfolio includes Zlaten Dab (lager, amber, dark variants) and Krali Marko. Beyond own brands, the brewery is the authorized filler for Pepsi, Mirinda, and 7UP under license from PepsiCo, and the exclusive importer/distributor in North Macedonia for Carlsberg Group brands (Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, Somersby), Knjaz Milos mineral and sparkling water, Aqua Viva, Guarana energy drinks, Tube juices, and Lipton Ice Tea.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Златен Даб (Zlaten Dab): Primary flagship beer brand of Prilep Brewery, featuring lager, amber, and dark varieties.
• Крали Марко (Krali Marko)
• Прилепска Газоза (Prilepska Gazoza)

Products and services

• Zlaten Dab Lager A flagship domestic Macedonian lager with golden-yellow color, pleasant bitterness, and clean taste. Brewed from basic ingredients (water, malt, hops, brewer's yeast) at 4.5% alcohol by volume. Distributed across North Macedonia through the company's nationwide direct distribution network to HORECA and retail.
• Zlaten Dab Amber Premium lager beer with characteristic amber color, rich aroma, and a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Brewed from 100% barley malt plus light caramel malt at 5% alcohol by volume. Offered in glass bottles (0.33L, 0.5L), cans (0.5L), and PET (1.5L) for consumers seeking a premium domestic alternative.
• Zlaten Dab Dark A premium dark beer with specific aroma, texture, irresistible balanced caramel taste, coffee aroma, and a delicate chocolate finish. Brewed to the same modern quality standards as the Zlaten Dab lager and amber variants, targeting consumers seeking a domestic dark beer following world trends in premium brewing.
• Krali Marko Lager A traditional Macedonian lager produced according to traditional recipes by Prilep Brewery. A high-quality light beer with a fresh look inviting consumption. Marks a long-standing domestic brand alongside Zlaten Dab in the company's own-beer portfolio.
• Carlsberg Imported and distributed Carlsberg lager for North Macedonia under exclusive authorization. Available in 0.5L can, 0.33L and 0.66L glass bottles, and 25L keg formats.
• Tuborg Imported and distributed Tuborg lager for North Macedonia under exclusive authorization. Available in 0.33L/0.5L cans and glass, 0.75L glass bottle, and 30L keg formats.
• Holsten Weizen Imported and distributed Holsten Weizen wheat beer for North Macedonia under exclusive authorization. Available in 0.5L glass bottles.
• 1664 Blanc Imported and distributed Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc premium wheat-style lager for North Macedonia under exclusive authorization. Available in 0.33L glass bottles for on-trade premium accounts.
• Somersby Imported and distributed Somersby cider (Apple, Pear, and Blueberry variants) for North Macedonia under exclusive authorization. Available in 0.33L glass bottles.
• Pepsi Authorized production and filling of Pepsi-Cola and its flavor variants (Pepsi Lime, Pepsi Max/Zero) by Prilep Brewery under license from Pepsi Cola International, which began in 1980 and continues today. Recognized in 1991 for the largest Pepsi sale by absolute volume across former Yugoslavia and Albania.
• Mirinda Authorized production and filling of Mirinda Orange and Mirinda Lemon carbonated soft drinks by Prilep Brewery under license from Pepsi Cola International, produced continuously since 1980 in North Macedonia.
• 7UP Zero Authorized production and filling of 7UP Zero carbonated soft drink by Prilep Brewery under license from Pepsi Cola International, distributed across North Macedonia.
• Prilepska Gazoza Prilep Brewery's own carbonated flavored soft drink with a distinctive pear aroma, distributed alongside the licensed soft drinks portfolio across North Macedonia.
• Lipton Ice Tea Authorized importer and distributor of Lipton Ice Tea in North Macedonia, in peach, lemon, and green flavors in 0.33L cans.
• Guarana Authorized importer and distributor of Guarana energy drinks in Original, Aphrodisiac, Cactus, Mojito, and Joker variants. Distributed in 0.25L and 0.5L packaging across North Macedonia.
• Knjaz Milos Authorized importer and distributor of Knjaz Milos natural sparkling mineral water in North Macedonia, sourced from Knjaz Milos S.A., Arandjelovac, Serbia. Available in packaging from 0.25L to 2.5L.
• Aqua Viva Authorized importer and distributor of Aqua Viva non-carbonated mineral water in North Macedonia, sourced from Knjaz Milos S.A., Arandjelovac, Serbia, in 0.25L–2.5L packaging.
• Tube Authorized importer and distributor of Tube non-carbonated fruit juices in North Macedonia, in 0.5L and 1.5L packaging formats.

Quantifiable outcome

• 582,000 HL annual brewing capacity — among the largest in the Balkans
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Pakomak Ltd. SkopjeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Prilep Brewery is an active founder in Pakomak Ltd. Skopje — the first collective packaging waste handling organization in North Macedonia. Supports fulfillment of national packaging waste targets and participates in public awareness campaigns.
• Pepsi Cola InternationalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 1980Exclusive authorized filler for Pepsi Cola International since 1980. Produces Pepsi, Pepsi Lime, Pepsi Max/Zero, Mirinda Orange, Mirinda Lemon, and 7UP. Zlaten Dab Amber launch (April 2025) competes in the premium segment alongside these licensed brands. The company was recognized in 1991 for the largest sale of Pepsi in absolute volume across former Yugoslavia and Albania.
• Carlsberg Group (Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, Somersby)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerExclusive authorized importer and distributor for Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, and Somersby in North Macedonia. Products sourced from Carlsberg Bulgaria S.A. and U.R.R.B. Romania. Brands produced/distributed: Carlsberg (0.5L can, 0.33L/0.66L glass, 25L keg); Tuborg (0.33L/0.5L can/glass, 0.75L glass, 30L keg); Holsten Weizen (0.5L glass); 1664 Blanc (0.33L glass); Somersby cider in Apple, Pear, Blueberry (0.33L glass).
• Knjaz Milos S.A. (Serbia)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized importer of Knjaz Milos sparkling water, Aqua Viva non-carbonated mineral water, Guarana energy drink (original, Aphrodisiac, Cactus, Mojito, Joker variants), and Tube non-carbonated fruit juices. Products sourced from Knjaz Milos S.A., Arandjelovac, Serbia. Packaging: 0.25L–2.5L across water; 0.25L/0.5L for Guarana; 0.5L/1.5L for Tube juices.
• Lipton (PepsiCo)minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized importer of Lipton Ice Tea in North Macedonia. Distributed in 0.33L cans in three flavors: peach, lemon, and green.
• Zero Waste Doo SkopjeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSR partnership in the 'Trash for Art' initiative. Young creatives create artwork from packaging waste from Prilep Brewery's products, promoting recycling and environmental awareness. Prilep Brewery awards 30,000 denars for the most creative work.
• SGS SwitzerlandminorOthersThird-party food safety certification company that performs continuous checks on Prilep Brewery's food safety management system.
• AIBI United StatesminorOthersThird-party food safety certification company that performs continuous checks on Prilep Brewery's food safety management system.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• PepsiCo: PepsiCo is a global beverage major and a direct partner of Prilep Brewery (which has been the exclusive authorized filler of Pepsi, Mirinda, and 7UP in North Macedonia since 1980). Comparable as a soft-drink licensor and as a benchmark for the soft-drink bottling economics Prilep earns via toll-manufacturing fees.
• AB InBev: AB InBev is the world's largest brewer with presence in neighboring markets and a strong M&A track record in consolidating regional breweries. It is comparable as a potential strategic acquirer and as a benchmark for brewery operating efficiency and premium portfolio management.
• Heineken: Heineken is a global brewing major with operations across the Balkans (including Heineken Croatia, Heineken Srbija). Comparable as a broad incumbent brewer that competes for the same regional premiumization opportunity and that could be a potential acquirer of Prilep Brewery.
• Carlsberg Group: Carlsberg is a global brewing major and a direct partner of Prilep Brewery (which holds exclusive distribution for Carlsberg, Tuborg, Holsten, 1664 Blanc, and Somersby in North Macedonia). It is comparable as a brewer, licensor, and benchmark for the premium segment Prilep Brewery is targeting with Zlaten Dab Amber.
• Coca-Cola HBC: Coca-Cola HBC is the bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products across Southeast Europe, including North Macedonia. It is comparable as the principal competitive threat in the carbonated soft-drink category that Prilep Brewery bottles (Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP).

Emerging players

• Knjaz Miloš: Knjaz Miloš is a leading Serbian mineral water and beverage producer and a current partner of Prilep Brewery (whose brands Knjaz Miloš, Aqua Viva, Guarana, and Tube are imported and distributed by Prilep in North Macedonia). Comparable as a regional peer in non-alcoholic beverages and as a partner in Prilep's import portfolio.

Direct peers

• Pivovarna Laško Union: Pivovarna Laško Union is the leading Slovenian brewery and one of the largest in the former Yugoslav region, producing its own beer brands and distributing licensed international brands. It is the closest direct regional peer to Prilep Brewery given the shared Yugoslav-market heritage, similar multi-brand portfolio model, and comparable scale in a small domestic market.
• Union Brewery (Pivara Skopje): Union Brewery / Pivara Skopje is a North Macedonian brewer producing domestic beer brands in direct competition with Prilep Brewery's Zlaten Dab and Krali Marko in the home market. It is the closest direct local competitor and a relevant comparable for share, distribution, and pricing dynamics in North Macedonia.
• Apatinska Pivara: Apatinska Pivara is a major Serbian brewery (owned by Molson Coors) producing Jelen and other brands. As a regional Balkan brewer of comparable scale, it serves as a direct comparable for production footprint, multi-format packaging, and category positioning versus Prilep Brewery.

Regional players

• Trebjesa Brewery: Trebjesa is the leading Montenegrin brewery producing Nikšićko pivo, the dominant domestic beer brand. It is a regional Balkan peer of comparable scale and operating model — a single dominant domestic brewery in a small market with national distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PrilepBrewery
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prilepska-pivarnica-company
• Xx.com/Zlaten_Dab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Prilep Brewery