Wins ‘Best Exporter – Beverages’ for Record Export Growth and Outstanding Category Performance

Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC was named ‘Best Exporter – Beverages’ at the 27^th Presidential Export Awards 2024/25, held recently at the BMICH, Colombo. The accolade, conferred by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), represents the highest national recognition for export excellence, and acknowledges the Company’s leadership in beverage exports and its contribution to elevating Sri Lanka’s presence on the world stage.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Meewakkala said, “This recognition is a powerful endorsement of Lion Brewery’s commitment to taking Sri Lankan excellence to the world. Our teams, partners, and consumers across continents have fuelled this journey, and we remain dedicated to elevating the Lion brand globally while staying true to our Lankan heritage.”

As Sri Lanka’s largest alco-beverage manufacturer and exporter, Lion Brewery has expanded beyond domestic dominance to establish a strong international footprint. Today, Lion Brewery products are available in more than 19 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and North America, with Africa and the UAE continuing to be major growth engines.

The company’s export arm recorded an impressive 64% year-on-year growth, underscoring the strength of its global strategy and rising international demand for Lion Brewery products. Further, the Company has secured leading positions in markets such as the Maldives and Qatar, strengthened its presence in Middle Eastern travel retail, and achieved strong growth in Australia, the UK and EU regions, with Italy emerging as a standout performer. Building on this momentum, Lion Brewery is also accelerating its draught brew portfolio internationally, responding to growing demand for premium on-tap experiences in select markets.

Lion Brewery’s export strategy is built on a ‘glocal’ approach, adapting taste profiles, packaging, and market strategies to suit local consumer preferences while maintaining uncompromising global quality standards. It reflects the meticulous effort to interpret and express Lion’s brand essence through the cultural and consumer lens of each market, a demanding yet pivotal process that has enabled the brand to resonate across diverse markets without losing its authentic identity.

Innovation remains central to Lion Brewery’s export success, spanning portfolio innovation, brand experience innovation, and process innovation. The company continues to introduce new formats, flavours, seasonal brews, and variants infused with local ingredients, while forging partnerships and activations that connect consumers across cultures and communities. At an operational level, Lion is advancing digital brewing technologies, automated quality testing, and sustainable sourcing practices to scale responsibly and efficiently. Through these initiatives, Lion Brewery continues to champion Sri Lankan excellence globally, reinforcing its role as an enduring symbol of quality, innovation, and national pride.

Lion Brewery’s global success is further reinforced by international acclaim for its portfolio. Lion Stout was recently recognised as the World’s Best Tropical Stout, while Lion Lager continues to earn global taste accolades, affirming the brand’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship. This momentum reflects Lion’s evolution from Sri Lanka’s iconic brew into a globally resonant lifestyle brand, shaped by a fearless spirit, passion for adventure, and commitment to delivering exceptional celebratory experiences to consumers worldwide.

Image caption: Rajiv Meewakkala, Chief Executive Officer of Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC receiving the award