The first Turkish beer is believed to have been brewed at about 2000 BC. The Turkish beer market has experienced 20% growth from 2001 to 2005 with many international brands gaining popularity.
Efes Beverage Group, a subsidiary of Anadolu Group, is the largest producer of beer in Turkey with approximately 80% of the market share. Their main product line is called Efes Pilsen (5.0% ABV), after the Turkish name for the ancient city of Ephesus near the İzmir brewery. The beer has been described to have a "tangy malt and hops aroma, rich malt in the mouth, and a bitter-sweet finish that becomes dry and hoppy". Efes also produces Efes Dark, Efes Light, Efes Extra and Marmara. Also, as of March 2005, Foster's Lager has been brewed, marketed and distributed in Turkey through Efes Beverage Group. Efes exports to markets in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Türk Tuborg, a subsidiary of the Danish Carlsberg/Tuborg group, also brews beer in Turkey under the Tuborg name. Danish Carlsberg is also popular in Turkey among other brands found internationally.
Another major brand, Tekel Birası, is known as the oldest producer of beer in Turkey (founded in 1890). It was a state monopoly brand until 2004.
