1922-41

1922

The Visionaries

The founders are two Czechs: engineer Viktor Tsajs and banker Karel Husnik. Construction of the factory begins in 1922 on a 32,347 m² site, next to the Skopje–Niš railway line, two kilometres east of Skopje.

Why Skopje?

The investment decision was made because south of Jagodina there was not a single brewery. The location was carefully chosen close to the railway and fertile fields of barley and wheat, one of the key ingredients for beer production.

1924

The brewery is put into operation. The first glass of beer is poured according to an old Czech recipe, with a distinctive taste derived from Skopje’s local well water, a beer that later, generation after generation, to this day, will be recognized simply as – SKOPSKO.

In the pre-war period, the brewery produced annually:

• 35,000 hectolitres of beer
• 720 tons of malt for beer
• 1,500 tons of ice

1925

“Parna Pivara AD” receives permission to supply the entire southern region of the then state, after which the company soon opens its warehouses and ice houses in Kumanovo, Prilep, Bitola, Strumica, and Kosovska Mitrovica.

Some interesting facts from the early days

Until 1941, the administrative and production facilities of the Brewery covered 5,919 m². They included the main factory building, a malt department, milling department, brew kettles for beer brewing, a beer cooling department, fermentation department and a department for conditioning the finished beer, a department for washing, filling and pasteurizing the beer, together with four sections: for soaking barrels, washing barrels, pitching barrels and filling barrels with beer, and for ice production, as well as mechanical and technical maintenance departments.

Before the war, the working day at the Brewery lasted eight hours. Since beer was consumed mostly in summer—from April 1 to September 30—work was carried out every day. In autumn and winter, operations were reduced to three days a week. However, in the last three years before the war, demand increased, so work was carried out every day throughout the year.

1941-45

1942

The war did not cause any loss to the company. On the contrary, during this period production grew and the company achieved higher profits. This was due to the presence of soldiers who consumed a lot of beer. The brewery operated at maximum capacity for beer production, and in 1942 beer production and sales reached a record 33,931.30 hectolitres.

Due to the high beer consumption, the number of employees increased both in production and in the administration of Skopje Brewery.

1945-77

1945

27 January – By a decision of the State Administration for People’s Property in Skopje, the Industrial Company for the production of beer, malt and ice, which until then had been a joint-stock company, was declared a state-owned company, in accordance with the post-war order of the socialist state.

After liberation, a new era began in the work of Skopje Brewery. A period started in which expansion and modernization of the company were planned. In the first post-war year, 20,428 hectolitres of beer were produced, which was 12% less than the highest pre-war production.

1947

06 May – By a decision of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Macedonia, the company Parna Pivara – Skopje is registered, and this name remains for the next three decades.

1947

At the proposal of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Macedonia, Parna Pivara – Skopje is listed among the companies of greatest importance to the state.

1951

The first reconstruction of Skopje Brewery is carried out, applying technical and technological innovations. This enabled an increase in production capacity to 50,000 hectolitres. In 1958, 1963, 1969 and 1974, four more major production investments followed, significantly increasing Skopje Brewery’s capacity.

1967-69

“Pivarski Zbor” is published—an internal magazine intended to inform and educate employees at Skopje Brewery, and also a tool for direct communication with consumers. Stories, updates, and news about the Brewery—all in one place.

1977

In addition to several types of beer and brewing malt, Skopje Brewery begins producing and distributing a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including: “Kola”, “Bitter-Lemon”, “Tonic”, “Orange”, “Mango” and “Soda Water”.

1977-00

1978

Skopje Brewery receives its first international recognition—a silver medal for quality for SKOPSKO beer, awarded by the Monde Selection International Quality Institute in Brussels. In 1981, SKOPSKO wins the gold medal.

1982

The company’s production range expands with quality red wine vinegar, apple vinegar, and white distilled vinegar, which for many years become a significant part of dining tables, winning numerous international quality awards from the Monde Selection International Quality Institute.

1985

A new investment is made to enhance production capacity, increasing production to a record 1,000,000 hectolitres per year.

1989

The initial phase of Skopje Brewery’s privatization process begins, with the transfer of ownership in distribution and transport trucks. In the second phase, distribution centres are transformed. This complex process is successfully completed in 1995.

1991

Skopje Brewery becomes a producer of The Coca-Cola Company beverages as an authorized bottler.

1993

‘Star Lisec’ appears on the market—a new beer brand offering a different experience. Strong, dark, and full of character, it quickly wins over true beer connoisseurs.

1998

Skopje Brewery becomes part of the large Heineken family. Through this joint venture, HEINEKEN and Coca-Cola HBC become the majority shareholders of Skopje Brewery.

2000-16

2003

Skopje Brewery creates a new beer brand “Gorsko”, accompanied by the message “your beer – your way”. Among the wider population, it becomes known as one of the favourite “working-class beers”.

19 May 2003 will be remembered in the Company’s history as the date when new ultra-modern facilities for the production of beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and water were launched, with an investment of 55 million dollars. With this, Skopje Brewery increases the production of its beer brands SKOPSKO and Gorsko and of the non-alcoholic beverages from the Coca-Cola range by an additional 100 million hectolitres of beverages.

2009

Skopje Brewery receives major recognition from The Coca-Cola Company—declared a producer of the best Coca-Cola in the world! It receives the same recognition in 2013 as well, confirming top quality and dedication. With that, the Brewery is among the rare companies worldwide to have earned this prestigious recognition.

2011

The first innovative wastewater bio-treatment plant in Macedonia is put into operation—an investment worth nearly 3 million euros from the company’s own funds. The plant contributes to improving the ecosystem, while also enabling effective savings of water and energy.

2017-21

2017

An investment of 1.4 million euros in new filling equipment opens a new chapter in Skopje Brewery’s development and increases production capacity to one million bottles per 24 hours.

2021

Ahead of the great jubilee—100 years of existence—Skopje Brewery invests in better conditions for its employees. The team moves to new, modern offices!

Over the past decade, Skopje Brewery has continuously grown and improved—in production, quality, innovation—always one step ahead, expanding its portfolio with brands recognized for high standards and quality.

At Skopje Brewery, we mark a quarter-century of continuous top Monde Selection recognitions for the quality of SKOPSKO, top recognitions for the best Coca-Cola quality index, portfolio innovations through enrichment with new brands, flavors, and packaging.

2022

In honour of the great jubilee, together with its employees, Skopje Brewery marks new investments of 10.7 million euros in modern equipment and the latest technology installed in various operations and processes, including a new line for the production of non-alcoholic beverages. These investments modernize operations and support the company’s long-term sustainable development.

An interactive “Experience Centre” is also opened, where visitors “travel” through the Brewery’s 100-year history, can experience the magic of beer-making, and enjoy the story behind every glass. The Centre exhibits artwork by local authors—part of the national cultural heritage.

Skopje Brewery remains committed to maintaining the highest positions of its brands in the domestic market.

2023-25

2023

Skopje Brewery expands its portfolio with premium spirits, becoming a distributor of The Edrington Group (Macallan, Highland Park, Brugal).

2024

Skopje Brewery takes over distribution and begins selling Finlandia vodka in February 2024, and from March, the portfolio of Skopje Brewery also includes the products of the world’s second-largest spirits company.

2025

The portfolio in 2025 is enriched with the premium rakija Zlatna Rakija and the Italian premium coffee Caffè Vergnano, further strengthening Skopje Brewery’s position as a 24/7 beverage partner—offering products for every part of the day and every occasion.

Commitment to the Community and the Environment

Skopje Brewery, through the SKOPSKO brand, creates the platform “Our Pride, Our Responsibility,” with the aim of preserving the natural beauties of Macedonia. Activities started with the cleaning of Lake Ohrid and continue with initiatives in national parks.

The company is the main supporter of “Generalka Weekend,” the largest eco action for waste collection, as well as the tree-planting initiative “Soncheva Gora.” Employees are among the most numerous volunteers, demonstrating the company’s true commitment to sustainable development.

As one of the founders of Pakomak, the Brewery actively participates in initiatives for sorting waste through vending machines, where consumers receive “green points” for every recycled plastic bottle or can.

Through the ROSA brand, the Brewery supports a platform focused on supporting parenting and early childhood development. Within this platform, educational activities are continuously organized and a community is built that cares for the youngest and their future.

With continuous expansion of the portfolio and strong commitment to social responsibility, Skopje Brewery shows that it is more than a beverage producer—it is a community partner, a driver of positive change, and a company building a better future for all. These initiatives are proof that success is measured not only in numbers, but also in the impact created—for people, nature, and future generations.