After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991, the country made fundamental changes to its economic structure to transition into a free-market economy. The outdated technologies and factories inherited from the centralized management system were unable to meet the demands of a modern economy. Many of these facilities were shut down, while others continued to operate with limited production capacity. This situation led to increased unemployment and reduced production. By 1993, Azerbaijan had almost no infrastructure in the food industry. However, the government paved the way for foreign investment by issuing privatization decrees.
One of the pioneers in this field was Abdulbari Guzel, the founder of Azarson Holding, who established a representative office of the Intersan Group of Companies in Azerbaijan. This initiative addressed the shortage of basic food products in the market. The National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, praised his efforts and, during a meeting, commended him for his honesty in business activities.
In 1994, Azarson Holding privatized and modernized dormant tea and oil factories in Baku through direct investment. These efforts led to the establishment of the first manufacturing plant in independent Azerbaijan. In subsequent years, Azarson Holding built several canning factories in the Khachmaz, Bilasuvar, Lankaran, and Ganja regions, creating new opportunities for local farmers. In 2010, the Holding transformed Azerbaijan from a salt importer to a salt exporter by establishing the Masazir Salt Factory and implementing a salt iodization project. Furthermore, it revolutionized Azerbaijan’s retail market by launching Park Boulevard, the country’s first modern shopping mall, and creating the Bazarstore supermarket chain.
Today, Azarson Holding plays a pivotal role in Azerbaijan’s economic development, with over 30 companies operating in agriculture, the food industry, packaging, and paper production. This holding company has not only ensured the country’s food security but has also established a strong presence in global markets.
Currently, this international company has been successfully collaborating with Kaveh Noosh Company, a subsidiary of the MazMaz Group, in the field of tea and tea beverages under the Maryam brand for several years. Both parties are optimistic that, as in the past, the international Maryam tea brand will continue to thrive and expand in the export market.