Kazakh beer market with total consumption at 4.7 mhl in 2006 has been growing with a CAGR of 18% since 19961. In line with the strong consecutive economic growth of the country and an improvement in life standards, per capita beer consumption has risen from 26 in 2005 to 31 in 20062.

Notwithstanding the historical growth of the market, per capita consumption in the market is still well below the comparable averages hence possessing further growth potential combined with the favorable demographics and macroeconomic factors as evidenced by the expected 12% CAGR in the Kazakh Beer market between 2006 - 2011.

EBI commenced its operations in Kazakhstan with the Karaganda Brewery, which was acquired in 1996. Later, in order to meet the increasing demand in the market, the construction of the Almaty Brewery started and production commenced in 2003. Currently EBI operates with two breweries in Kazakhstan and a total brewing capacity of 2.1 mhl per annum, up from 1.3 mhl a year earlier in order to meet the high demand growth.

EBI was the second largest brewer in Kazakhstan with market share by sales volume of 19% in 2006.

EBI's brand portfolio currently consists of seven brands appealing to different market segments: "Karagandinskoe" is sold as a mid-priced local brand, "Stary Melnik", "Sokol" and "Beliy Medved" are sold as local premium brands while "Efes", "Warsteiner" and "Bavaria Premium" are sold as super premium brands. "Karagandinskoe" which accounted for 79% of Efes Kazakhstan's sales volume in 2006, is the second most consumed brand in the beer market. In 2006 EBI's sales volume in Kazakhstan increased by 17% over the previous year, reaching 0.9 mhl