Company: Societe de Fabrication des Boissons de Tunisie
Country: Tunisia
Sector: Beverages: Non-Alcoholic
CEO: Elyes Fakhfakh (Directeur Général / General Manager)
Website: https://www.groupe-sfbt.com
Careers Page: Not publicly listed
LinkedIn: Not publicly listed
Email: Not publicly listed
Headquarters: Tunis, Tunisia
Founded: 1889
Valuation/Revenue: $454.8m revenue / $1,145.3m market value (African Business Top 250, 2025)
Société de Fabrication des Boissons de Tunisie (SFBT), also known as the Tunisian Beverage Manufacturing Company, is Tunisia’s dominant beverage producer, controlling an estimated 85% of the country’s beer market, roughly 90% of soft drinks and 40-50% of bottled water. It is one of the oldest continuously operating industrial companies in North Africa and one of the largest companies on the Tunis Stock Exchange by market value.
What Does SFBT Do?
SFBT manufactures and distributes beer, soft drinks, mineral water and fruit juices across Tunisia. Its beer portfolio includes the Celtia and Stella brands, plus licensed international beers such as Löwenbräu, Beck’s and 33 Export. On the soft drinks side, SFBT bottles Coca-Cola products under a long-standing licensing agreement, and its water division includes brands like Marwa, Safia, Aïn Garci and Cristaline, several of which were acquired through consolidation of Tunisia’s mineral water sector in the 2000s.
How Old Is SFBT?
SFBT’s history dates back to 1889, when it was established as the Tunis Frigorific and Brewery Company under the French protectorate, making it one of the oldest industrial businesses operating continuously in Tunisia. The company held an effective beer monopoly for over a century, only facing meaningful local competition when Heineken opened a Tunisian brewery in 2007. It later adopted the SFBT name.
Who Is the CEO of SFBT?
Elyes Fakhfakh serves as Directeur Général (General Manager/CEO) of SFBT Group. Fakhfakh is a notable public figure in Tunisia, having previously served as the country’s Minister of Finance and, briefly, as Prime Minister, before moving into the private sector to lead SFBT.
Who Owns SFBT?
SFBT has long been closely associated with the French Castel Group, a major African and French beverage conglomerate, which holds a significant ownership stake following the company’s privatization era. The remainder trades on the Tunis Stock Exchange (BVMT).
How Big Is SFBT?
African Business’s Top 250 (2025) recorded SFBT’s revenue at approximately $454.8 million and its market value at roughly $1.15 billion, making it one of the most highly valued companies on the Tunisian stock market relative to its revenue — reflecting its dominant, near-monopoly market position and strong margins in beer and soft drinks.
Is SFBT Publicly Traded?
Yes. SFBT trades on the Bourse de Tunis (Tunis Stock Exchange) and is consistently among the largest companies on the exchange by market capitalisation, making it a bellwether stock for Tunisian equities.
How Does SFBT Compare to Its Competitors?
SFBT’s most significant local competitor is Heineken’s Tunisian brewing operation, which entered the market in 2007 and ended SFBT’s decades-long beer monopoly, though SFBT has retained the large majority of beer market share. In soft drinks, SFBT’s Coca-Cola bottling franchise gives it a commanding position over rivals; the company is also known for having pushed Pepsi out of the Tunisian market during the 1990s.
What Has SFBT Been in the News For Recently?
Recent Tunisian business coverage has focused on SFBT’s continued growth across “all business poles,” its ongoing transformation programme engaging top management around “responsible growth,” and its position as a resilient, high-margin consumer staples business amid broader economic pressure in Tunisia. Elyes Fakhfakh’s leadership, given his prior political career, has also attracted continued media interest.
How Do I Apply for a Job at SFBT?
SFBT recruits through its group corporate website and periodic postings for roles in production, sales, logistics and corporate functions across its Tunisian facilities; specific job-portal details could not be independently verified for this profile.
What Is SFBT’s Production and Distribution Footprint?
SFBT operates production facilities across Tunisia, including a major brewing and bottling site in Bou Argoub in the Cap Bon region, alongside its historic Tunis operations. The group’s scale gives it an extensive nationwide distribution network reaching retailers, cafes and hospitality venues across both urban centres and rural areas, a logistical advantage that has helped it defend market share even as Heineken and other international entrants have tried to gain ground. Historically, SFBT also aggressively defended its soft-drinks position, most notably in a well-documented 1990s episode in which it effectively pushed PepsiCo out of the Tunisian market in favour of its own Coca-Cola bottling franchise — an example still cited in discussions of Tunisia’s consumer goods competitive history.
Links
Website: https://www.groupe-sfbt.com
Careers Page: Not found
LinkedIn: Not found
Email: Not publicly listed
FAQ
What does SFBT stand for?
Société de Fabrication des Boissons de Tunisie (Tunisian Beverage Manufacturing Company).
Who is the CEO of SFBT?
Elyes Fakhfakh is the company’s Directeur Général (General Manager).
Is SFBT publicly traded?
Yes, on the Bourse de Tunis.
How big is SFBT?
African Business’s Top 250 (2025) valued it at roughly $1.15 billion market value on about $454.8 million revenue.
What brands does SFBT make?
Celtia and Stella beers, Coca-Cola soft drinks under license, and water brands including Marwa, Safia and Aïn Garci.
Is SFBT still operating in 2026?
Yes, it remains Tunisia’s dominant, actively operating beverage company.