Kalik, the country's largest beer brand, produces approximately 900,000 cases annually in its 150 foot facility.
Nico Pinotsis, managing director at Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL), revealed that the Kalik brand generates a "significant"
portion of the company's
revenue.
"We produce approximately 900,000 cases of Kalik on an annual basis, part of which is distributed locally and another part is exported mainly to the United States. Kalik accounts for a significant percent of Commonwealth Brewery's revenue," he said.
Commonwealth Brewery was established 27 years ago, producing Heineken and Guinness. And two years later, the Kalik brand was introduced. Since then, Pinotsis pointed out how the market has been growing.
Currently, Commonwealth Brewery operates 55 retail stores on most of The Bahamas' larger islands and employs 380 people. He said that 98 percent of its employees are Bahamian.
Addressing the brand's 25th anniversary celebrations yesterday, Minister of State for Investments Khaalis Rolle noted that Kalik symbolizes Bahamian innovation and success utilizing foreign direct investment (FDI).
Commonwealth Brewery is majority owned by Heineken International.
"It has been said that manufacturing can't work in The Bahamas, but this is a testament that manufacturing is viable, alive and doing well," he told reporters. "We must also recognize that the business of The Bahamas succeeds when business in The Bahamas succeeds. Whether that is fully Bahamian-owned or joint venture or some other combination, we must mature in our thinking and overcome our fear of foreign investment.
"This brewery where we stand today, Commonwealth Brewery, is a shining example of what working together means for The Bahamas and for Bahamians, both those working here and in its warehouses and stores and recycling plant and those who hold shares.
"Additionally, this serves as a positive example of what the right foreign direct investment combined with local participation in ownership and operation can achieve. We have proven ourselves with our hospitality, our infrastructure, our education and our sophistication that this is still the best country for Foreign Direct Investment."
Rolle said his government is committed to seeking the best in investment while safeguarding the country's environment.
"We seek to protect our marine resources, providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and exploring industries and businesses that help diversify our economy," he noted.
The original Kalik was produced in 1988, followed by Kalik Gold in 1992. Kalik Light was introduced in 1997 and Kalik Lime was introduced in 2011.
More than 50 percent of all bottles used by the brewery are recycled.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian