SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PIVARA SKOPJE: €139 MILLION FOR THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND 8,700 SUPPORTED JOBS

Skopje, 05.12.2024 – In 2023, Pivara Skopje generated €139 million in added value to the Macedonian economy, representing 1% of GDP, of which €71 million were taxes paid into the state budget. More than 8,700 jobs in the country, directly or indirectly, are supported by Pivara Skopje’s revenue, with €37 million allocated annually for salaries. Every single job at Pivara supports an additional 21 jobs nationwide. For every euro spent by customers, 68% is returned to society.

These are just some of the findings from the new Socio-economic Impact Study of Pivara Skopje in North Macedonia, conducted by the independent consultancy firm Steward Redqueen, analyzing the company’s operations data for 2023. The aim of this study is to quantify and evaluate Pivara Skopje’s contribution to the development of the Macedonian economy and community prosperity in an objective and transparent manner, using a scientific approach.

“Today, we are not merely presenting results and figures – we are telling a story of vision, determination, and teamwork that results in success and achievements. With this study, prepared by independent experts and following international standards, we sought to understand the impact of Pivara Skopje and its contribution to the economy and community in an evidence-based and professional manner. Our goal was to measure our progress, as we conducted a similar study in 2017, and to assess where we stand compared to other companies in Macedonia and the wider region and Europe. This helps us understand how far we’ve come and enables us to set new, higher goals and contributions,” emphasized Dushan Mitrev, General Manager of Pivara Skopje, during his address at today’s event, attended by numerous representatives from the business sector, institutions, academia, diplomats, and the civil sector.

“The findings from the study are the best confirmation of our success at Pivara Skopje, a success that is not coincidental and one we are particularly proud of. Our success is built on four pillars that have remained unchanged for over a century: the impeccable quality of our products, recognized by consumers; the partnership approach and the creation of shared value with our customers; sincere contribution to the community; and our team, Pivara employees, who are the main ingredient in everything we do. Additionally, the significant support and know-how we receive from the two global corporations we are part of – Coca-Cola HBC and Heineken – as well as our collaboration with numerous customers, suppliers, business associations, and chambers, state institutions, experts, media, and the civil sector. You all play a significant role in Pivara Skopje’s success, and in your own way – you are all part of Pivara Skopje,” Mitrev added, emphasizing that “Pivara’s mission is more than business; it is an obligation to drive positive change” and that “only through continuous investment in people, the economy, the environment, and the community, we can be successful and contribute together to a better future for all of us.”

Gorica Stojkovic, General Manager of The Coca-Cola Company for Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, highlighted that this study is particularly important as it provides an opportunity to see Pivara Skopje’s real impact on the country.

“The study we are presenting today shows that our system has a deeply rooted influence on North Macedonia’s economy, through employment, taxes, and support for local suppliers. In 2023, Pivara contributed 1% to the total national Gross Domestic Product, which is just one indicator that Pivara Skopje is a key pillar of the Macedonian economy. Our contribution is not only economic. We deeply believe that a successful business must actively invest in the community. We achieve this through our programs and initiatives, which include investments in young people, environmental protection, and employee volunteerism,” noted Stojkovic.

The extent of Pivara Skopje’s impact on the domestic economy is also evident in the fact that the company collaborates with over 1,000 domestic suppliers annually, procuring goods and services worth over €46 million, as well as with more than 12,000 wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and companies in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Through such collaborations, Pivara Skopje directly and indirectly impacts the development of several significant sectors of the domestic economy, including trade, business services, production, transport, and agriculture.

The panel discussion on “The Power of Partnership through Pivara’s Value Chain” featured representatives from suppliers, customers, wholesale distributors, institutions, and the civil sector, who highlighted the importance of their cooperation with Pivara Skopje and the role of such partnerships in achieving shared development goals and contributing to further advancement of the overall economic development of the country.

In the past five years alone, Pivara Skopje has invested €40 million in capital projects for sustainable growth and development and allocates an additional €200,000 annually for numerous socially responsible activities aimed at community support.

The new Socio-economic Impact Study of Pivara Skopje in North Macedonia is available at the following link: Socio-economic Impact Study of Pivara Skopje