This year, as the historic Šiauliai-based brewery Gubernija celebrates its 360th anniversary, it will receive a record-breaking investment. Its parent company, MV GROUP Production, is set to invest €4 million in the brewery – the largest sum allocated since acquiring the facility in 2018. According to the company’s CEO, Algirdas Čiburys, the investment will focus on modernizing the brewery, enhancing efficiency and productivity, improving quality, and implementing sustainability solutions.

“This year, MV GROUP Production is planning record investments of nearly €8 million, with half of that dedicated to Gubernija. Since acquiring the brewery in 2018, we have consistently invested in its modernization, but this year’s amount is the largest yet. The planned innovations will significantly contribute to Gubernija’s growth and competitiveness both in Lithuania and international markets,” says Algirdas Čiburys.

Focus on quality and efficiency

The largest share of the investment will go toward new packaging equipment. A few years ago, the can filling line was upgraded, and now the company is set to modernize the packaging process.

“With the upgraded can line packaging system, production efficiency will increase by 25%. Additionally, we will be able to produce multipacks of 4 to 6 units for beer, kvass, and sparkling wine – meeting the growing demand from our customers and partners,” explains Čiburys.

The company also plans to invest in a state-of-the-art Cross Flow beer filtration system. Selected through an international tender, this cutting-edge technology will make Gubernija one of the first breweries in Lithuania to adopt this innovation.

Part of the investment will be allocated to installing a solar power plant on Gubernija’s rooftops. This initiative will not only enhance efficiency and reduce energy costs but also help lower the brewery’s carbon footprint. Additionally, plans include upgrading the fermentation department and improving working conditions for employees.

“When purchasing new equipment or upgrading existing systems, we always assess several factors. One is how it will improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness while reducing resource consumption—water, electricity, and raw materials. Another key aspect is how these investments contribute to employee well-being and productivity. Our goal is to be a sustainable and responsible manufacturing company in every way,” says MV GROUP Production CEO.

Ongoing investments deliver results

Investments in modernization are already yielding tangible results – last year, Gubernija’s revenue grew by nearly 36%. This growth was driven by rising sales in Lithuania, particularly in the kvass category, as well as successful expansion in export markets.

According to Algirdas Čiburys, continuous investment is essential to remain competitive in the highly concentrated beer market, where a few major global players dominate.

“This means we must find our niche, offer a diverse and exciting range of new products, and ensure top-tier quality. Over time, this brings measurable returns—our company earns prestigious awards in international competitions, attracts new partners, and captures consumer attention,” says the MV GROUP Production CEO.

Investments not only ensure high product quality but also help increase efficiency, optimize production costs, and reduce unit costs. As a result, Gubernija gains a competitive edge not just in quality but also in pricing.

Blending history with innovation

Gubernija is one of the few industrial breweries in Lithuania owned by local capital. Alongside Stumbras, Anykščių Vynas and Alita, it is part of the MV GROUP Production family of historical beverage manufacturers.

“We have proven that it is possible to successfully combine a brewery’s history, heritage, traditions, and authentic recipes with modern technology and marketing solutions. Recently, we renovated the Gubernija HUB visitor center, where we follow an open-door policy – anyone interested can visit, see the production process, and taste our products,” says Algirdas Čiburys.

360 years ago, when the Gubernija brewery first began operations, Šiauliai was nowhere near the city and industrial center it is today. Yet, even now, Gubernija continues to contribute to the growth of the Sun city and the development of the regional economy by creating high-value jobs, investing in employee training, and actively collaborating with academic institutions.

“We organize visits, brewery tours, and participate in career days. All of this helps attract new talent to Šiauliai. Our team includes master brewers with extensive experience, while specialists from other cities also bring fresh expertise to our workforce,” says Algirdas Čiburys.

Last year alone, Gubernija received an impressive number of international awards. At the prestigious World Beer Awards 2024, experts awarded gold medals to Gubernija’s Ekstra lager and German Pils pilsner, both of which were also recognized as the best in Lithuania in their respective categories. Meanwhile, in 2023, Brown Ale was named the best non-alcoholic beer in the world.

As Gubernija celebrates its milestone anniversary in 2025, the brewery promises to introduce even more new products to the market than in previous years.