Shezan International Limited (Urdu: شیزان) is a Pakistani beverage manufacturer based in Lahore. It is one of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers in Pakistan. Two of their most famous brands are All Pure and Twist.[1] This company is a part of Shahnawaz Group and is traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.[2]
 | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| PSX: SHEZ | |
| Industry | Beverages and food products |
| Founded | May 30, 1964 |
| Founder | Chaudhry Shah Nawaz |
| Headquarters | , Pakistan |
Areas served | Pakistan, Bangladesh, Europe, U.S., Canada, Asia and Australia |
| Products | Juice drinks and food products |
Number of employees | 289 |
| Parent | Shahnawaz Group |
| Website | shezan |
Since its inception in 1964, Shezan has produced various products including soft drinks, juices, ketchups, and jams. The company is also the single largest grower of mangoes in Pakistan, and employs roughly 1,000 persons.[3][2] The company is best known for its trademark product, 'Shezan Mango', a mango juice drink popular in Pakistan.
History edit
Shezan International was incorporated on May 13, 1964 by Chaudhry Shah Nawaz. It was a joint venture between Shahnawaz Group and Amcor.[4][5] The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided a loan of 2.5 million US dollars to support the purchase of necessary equipment.[5]
In 1965, Shezan began test marketing orange juice and established its fruit processing and bottling plant, along with its headquarters, in Lahore.[5] The hot climate in the region initially caused issues with the shelf life of the juice.[5] However, by the end of 1966, these problems were addressed, ensuring the stability of the bottled juice.[5] In 1967, Shezan expanded its product line to include mango, grape, apple, and berry juices.[5]
In 1968, Amcor exited Pakistan and sold its equity Shahnawaz Group.[5] A year later, Shezan introduced Lemon Barley juice.[5]
In 1980–81, a separate unit was installed in Karachi, which now caters for Karachi, Sindh and also meets the export demand.[5] A bottle filling plant was set up in 1983 in Lahore, Punjab. An independent Tetra Brik plant was commissioned in 1987.[5]
In 1989, Shezan was listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange, following an initial public offering at a strike price of Rs. 38.[5]
In 1990, it was decided to install a juice factory at Hattar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.[5]
Controversy edit
Shezan has been the frequent target of controversy due to the Ahmadi affiliation of its owners.[6] Several campaigns led by religious conservatives have in the past targeted Shezan, calling for its boycott, and subsequent ban.[7]
Shezan products ban edit
In 2012, campaigns by traditionally bright Islamic groups found a more liberal voice, amongst these were lawyers from Lahore Bar Association.[8] Soon thereafter, The Lahore Bar Association also banned Shezan products from its premises and subordinate court complexes, threatening tough actions against anyone found buying the drink. The move came as 100 lawyers unanimously voted for the ban on Shezan drinks and products.[9]
Attacks edit
As a consequence of the numerous initiatives to boycott Shezan products in systematic Anti-Ahmadiyya campaigns, several attacks have been recorded against Shezan factories. In June 2010, unidentified assailants stormed a Shezan factory after which high-explosive bombs were detonated that left four injured.[10]
References edit
- ^ "The Best Juice Brands In Pakistan". Runway Pakistan. 6 January 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ a b Shezan International business summary and stock quote on MarketScreener.com website Retrieved 23 December 2020
- ^ Anusha Zahid (3 November 2019). "A focus on quality and innovation". Dawn. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ Anusha Zahid (1 July 2018). "From 'farm to fork'". Dawn. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Corporate finance in Pakistan: Case studies from an emerging market". [Karachi]: Oxford University Press: Lahore University of Management Sciences. 13 May 1999 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Shezan – What's in a name?". Profit by Pakistan Today. 31 July 2022.
- ^ "Why many in Pakistan are vowing 'I'll drink Shezan'". NDTV website. Press Trust of India. 15 February 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ "Lahore Bar denies 'Shezan juice ban'". Dawn. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ "Barred: Lawyers ban drink on court complex". The Express Tribune. 11 February 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ Rana Tanveer (14 June 2010). "Shezan factory attacked in Lahore". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 23 December 2020.