Armavir Marz is located in the Arax  River  valley,  and  has  some  of  the richest and most fertile lands in Armenia. The region is well known for sweet fruits and sun-flavored vegetables growing in many varieties. Echmiadzin, the center of Armenian Church, is also well known for processing a great number of agricultural products.

   Areg Co. was established in  1960  in  Ejmiatsin  city,  which  is  19. 4  km South West of Yerevan. In 1999 Areg Co. was announced bankrupt and Mr. Noubar Goudsouzyan bought the cannery and renamed it Karmir Lolik. Mr. Goudsouzyan reconstructed and renovated all production facilities and equipment. The company acquired and installed an aseptic filling line for tomato paste production. In 1999, with 10 permanent and 50 seasonal employees, the cannery produced 80 tonnes of tomato paste and exported the whole production. Next year the production was tripled. In 2003 the tomato paste production is expected to reach 1. 000 tonnes. The factory operates at 1/4 of the capacity and has plans for expansion. In 2002 the company started the production of 40 various vegetable marinades.

   Karmir Lolik produces tomato paste with 30-34 % brix. Tomato  paste  is filled either into jars or aseptic bags. The final product is labeled and shrink-wrapped in 6 or 8 jars. Also in 2002 the production was filled in twist off glass jars.