Carlsberg Bulgaria has launched in-house canning of its beer, utilising advanced technology from KHS. This strategic move enhances operational efficiency and meets consumer demands for convenience, while positioning the company as a leader in the domestic beer market.
Carlsberg Bulgaria has commenced in-house canning of its beer for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company’s operations and its response to evolving market demands. The development has been facilitated through the integration of advanced technology and services provided by KHS.
The history of brewing in Bulgaria is rich, with origins tracing back to 1882 when Franz Milde opened one of the country’s oldest breweries in Shumen. After a series of nationalisations and restructurings, the establishment re-privatised in 1999 and became part of the Carlsberg Group in 2002, consolidating production efforts under the Carlsberg Bulgaria banner in 2004. The brewery now operates with two main production facilities in Shumen and Blagoevgrad, collectively producing over two million hectolitres of beer annually. This output includes popular local brands like Pirinsko and Shumensko, as well as international offerings such as Tuborg and Erdinger.
Metodi Stoyanov, the Integrated Supply Chain Director at Carlsberg Bulgaria, highlighted the organisation’s dominance in the sector, stating, “Today, we’re the leading domestic beer producer in terms of both quantity and value.” He noted a substantial increase in can sales, driven by the convenience of recyclability compared to returnable glass bottles. “Cans give consumers one key benefit,” he remarked, “they don’t have to be returned to the retailer but can instead simply be recycled through the recycling loop.”
As of January 2023, Carlsberg Bulgaria’s Blagoevgrad facility is equipped with its own canning line, which has been designed to fill up to 40,000 larger cans and 60,000 smaller cans per hour. Stoyanov expressed satisfaction with the new system’s efficiency and space-saving capabilities, noting an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of 76 percent.
The installation was notably executed amid post-pandemic challenges, with KHS demonstrating agility in supply chain management. Stoyanov praised their professionalism, highlighting the prompt adherence to installation schedules despite simultaneous construction of a new production shop.
In a departure from conventional canning practices, Carlsberg Bulgaria opted for KHS’s flash pasteuriser rather than a tunnel pasteuriser, due to the lack of sensitive beverages requiring the latter. Stoyanov explained that the high hygiene standards during filling allow for this method, which ultimately enhances product taste and reduces energy consumption across the operation.
After filling, cans undergo a temperature standardisation process via the KHS Innopas WICG compact heater, which prevents condensation— a critical factor in maintaining logistics and storage efficiency. Stoyanov acknowledged the importance of this feature in safeguarding quality during transportation.
To ensure sustainable operations, a three-year service contract with KHS has been established, encompassing predictive maintenance and remote support capabilities. This arrangement is critical for Carlsberg Bulgaria as it navigates the new terrain of can filling, with Stoyanov highlighting the invaluable nature of KHS’s support in enhancing their operational capabilities.
As Carlsberg Bulgaria embraces in-house canning, the strategic pivot towards this self-sufficient model positions them competitively within the alcohol market, enhancing operational efficiency and meeting consumer preferences for convenience and sustainability. The continued focus on innovation and partnerships will likely serve as a blueprint for growth in the evolving beverage landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
