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STAR Brewery Antananarivo
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Industrial site
The STAR Brewery in Antananarivo (Société Tananarivienne d'Articles Réfrigérés) is Madagascar's leading beverage producer and a prominent national industrial icon. Established in 1953, the company produces the famous Three Horses Beer (THB), widely regarded as the island's national beer. The brewery is a member of the Castel Group and operates one of the most modern industrial facilities in the country, located within the capital city. In addition to beer, STAR manufactures a broad range of soft drinks and mineral water under various brands. The company is a major employer and contributes significantly to the Malagasy economy through taxes and community development programs. The THB brand is deeply embedded in local culture and is a ubiquitous presence throughout the island. STAR emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing, particularly by partnering with Malagasy farmers for barley and maize supplies.
- Location: Madagascar
- Top sights: Tranompokonolona Analakely · FJKM · ROXY
- Nearby: Ambatolampy (38 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 475 | 379 | 304 | 159 | 86 | 84 | 85 | 58 | 47 | 96 | 222 | 388 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Serving as the national headquarters and the largest production facility for Madagascar's predominant beverage corporation, this complex is an industrial powerhouse in the capital. It plays an instrumental role in the national economy, acting as the central hub for brewing, bottling, and managing the nationwide supply chain for widely consumed beverages.
Visiting
Typical tourists cannot simply walk in for guided internal tours, as the sprawling active industrial site maintains strict access controls to ensure uninterrupted production and workplace safety. Nevertheless, the monumental scale of the facility and its busy entrance gates make it a prominent, unavoidable landmark when traveling through its district.
Where to view it
The massive architectural footprint and recognizable signage are easily seen from adjacent thoroughfares navigating through the busy industrial sectors of Antananarivo. Depending on your route, glimpses of the facility's extensive infrastructure can often be caught from higher elevation roads winding through the capital's steep hills.
Local products
While the factory complex itself is focused on wholesale distribution rather than retail sales, its influence is everywhere; almost every grocery store or lively bar in Antananarivo stocks their fresh lagers and sodas. Branded promotional materials, from colorful parasols to ubiquitous advertising boards, dominate the local street commerce scene.
Active season
The immense plant is a hub of constant kinetic energy year-round, characterized by a relentless stream of large transport vehicles dispatching goods across the island. The perimeter of the site is typically buzzing with intense commuter and logistical traffic during the early morning hours and late afternoon shift changes.
Nearby
Exploring the outer vicinity of this industrial heart can be easily combined with a visit to the nearby Tsimbazaza Zoo or a stroll through the bustling outdoor markets of Analakely. The stark modernity of the industrial zone also contrasts intriguingly with a subsequent trip up to the historic Rova palace complex overlooking the city.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1953
- Producer of Three Horses Beer (THB)
- Member of the Castel Group
- Located in Antananarivo
- Leading beverage manufacturer
- Sources barley and maize locally
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town STAR Brewery Antananarivo (10)
Théatre de verdure Antsahamanitra
Théatre de verdure Antsahamanitra in Antananarivo is an open-air theatre in nature.
I Love Antananarivo Sign
The I Love Antananarivo Sign in Antananarivo is a popular photo spot in the city.
Catholic Cathedral of Andohalo
Catholic Cathedral of Andohalo in Antananarivo is a large church on a hill.
Maison Jean Laborde
Maison Jean Laborde in Antananarivo is a historic building from the 19th century.
Société Tsara Anjara🏛 museum
Société Tsara Anjara in Antananarivo is a museum with local collections.
Musée d'art et d'archéologie🏛 museum
Musée d'art et d'archéologie in Antananarivo displays art and archaeological finds.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the STAR brewery in Antananarivo produce?
The brewery produces well-known Malagasy beer brands like THB as well as various soft drinks.
Can the brewery be visited?
Regular public tours are not usually offered; visits must be requested in advance.
How important is the STAR brewery for the city?
It is a significant employer and a cornerstone of the local food industry.
What should one try in Antananarivo?
A cold THB (Three Horses Beer) is a standard experience at any local restaurant.
How is the connection to the city center?
The brewery is easily accessible from the city center by taxi or rental car.
STAR Brewery Antananarivo: where is it located?
STAR Brewery Antananarivo is located in Madagascar.
STAR Brewery Antananarivo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tranompokonolona Analakely, FJKM, ROXY.
STAR Brewery Antananarivo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
STAR Brewery Antananarivo: why is it worth visiting?
The STAR Brewery in Antananarivo (Société Tananarivienne d'Articles Réfrigérés) is Madagascar's leading beverage producer and a prominent national industrial icon.
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History & landmarks
Analakely Market Pavilions
A series of historic pavilions in downtown Antananarivo that serve as a covered market.
🗺️
Cathedral of Faravohitra
A Catholic brick church located on one of the highest hills in Antananarivo.
Trano Gasy Houses
A traditional Malagasy architectural style characterized by tall, narrow brick houses with wooden balconies in Antananarivo.
Ambatonakanga Memorial Church
The first stone church in Madagascar, built in memory of the Christian martyrs killed under Queen Ranavalona I.
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Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
Madagascar's largest stadium, used for rugby matches, football tournaments, and national events.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
An impressive Roman Catholic cathedral in the Andohalo district of Antananarivo, built during the French colonial period.
Palace of Justice Ambatondrafandrana
A historic stone building in classical style that formerly served as the supreme court of the Merina kings.
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Andafiavaratra Palace
Former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, now serving as a museum for historical artifacts.
More places
Historical Zoma Market
Once the world's second-largest open-air market, a central trading hub in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Savonnerie Tropicale Soap Factory
A traditional company producing detergents and personal care products for the Malagasy market for decades.
Ila Fitsarana
Former court of justice of the Malagasy monarchy.
Andafiavaratra Palace
The former prime minister's residence in the 19th century, now a museum.
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Antsahamanitra Martyrs Cliff
The site where Christian martyrs were executed in the 19th century under Queen Ranavalona I.
Rova of Antananarivo
A royal palace complex that ruled the Kingdom of Madagascar.
JB Confectionery Factory
One of the best-known manufacturers of biscuits, chocolate and other sweets in Antananarivo.
🗺️
SOMACOU Textile Factory
One of Madagascar's leading textile manufacturers, specializing in blankets, towels and woven cotton products.