Carlsberg Vietnam inaugurates Expanded Phu Bai Brewery, marking new chapter of sustainable growth in Vietnam

Carlsberg Vietnam, in coordination with the Hue city People’s Committee, on Tuesday held an inauguration ceremony for the Phu Bai Brewery Expansion Project, marking a major milestone in the company’s journey of innovation, sustainability, and long-term commitment to Vietnam.

The ceremony was honored to welcome distinguished guests, including leaders and representatives from the Hue People’s Committee, the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, Carlsberg Group executives, local partners, and community stakeholders, reflecting the project’s significance for both the company and the region.

A strategic leap in scale and impact

With a total investment of nearly $90 million, the expansion increases Phu Bai’s brewing capacity by 50%, positioning it as Carlsberg’s largest beer production facility in Asia and one of the most productive globally across the group in terms of labor efficiency.

The expanded brewery will help meet growing demand across Carlsberg Vietnam’s diverse portfolio, from international premium brands like Carlsberg, 1664 Blanc, Tuborg, and Somersby, to local favorites Halida and Huda, the beloved icon that has proudly stood as the Pride of Central for over 35 years.

With enhanced capabilities, Carlsberg Vietnam is better positioned to serve Vietnamese consumers with international quality, more choice, consistency, and innovation.

“The Phu Bai Brewery Expansion reflects our long-term commitment to Vietnam,” said Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam. “Phu Bai is now our largest beer production site in Carlsberg Asia, equipped with cutting-edge technology to produce exceptional quality beers more efficiently and with lower environmental impact. But it’s not just about scale; it’s about serving our consumers better, strengthening our supply chain, and delivering meaningful impact for the communities we serve.”

Phan Quy Phuong, Vice Chairman of the Hue People’s Committee remarked: “Carlsberg Vietnam has long been a trusted partner in the sustainable development of Hue city and Central Vietnam. The expansion of the Phu Bai Brewery not only brings advanced manufacturing standards to Hue but also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. We appreciate Carlsberg’s contributions and look forward to continued collaboration for the prosperity of Central Vietnam.”

Future-ready operations with sustainability at the core

Designed as a future-ready facility, the expanded Phu Bai brewery integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance performance while reducing environmental impact.

It features one of Vietnam’s fastest packaging lines, a new high-efficiency brew line that consumes 20% less water and 15% less energy, a fleet of AI-enabled electric forklifts to enhance safety in high-traffic zones, and real-time data dashboards for line efficiencies to ensure consistent quality and operational precision

The site has also been redesigned to meet Carlsberg’s global health & safety standards, with enhanced pedestrian zoning, ventilated packaging halls with spot cooling, upgraded canteen spaces, and an enhanced uniform management system. During construction, the project recorded over 1.4 million safe working hours, underscoring Carlsberg Vietnam’s strong safety-first culture.

Beyond its operational excellence, the brewery continues to raise the bar on product quality. Carlsberg Vietnam was also awarded multiple international medals for beer quality, including the Monde Selection Gold Quality Awards for Huda and Halida in 2024, a testament to the craftsmanship and brewing standards embedded in the Phu Bai site.

“Vietnam plays a pivotal role in Carlsberg’s global strategy, not just because of its growth potential, but because of the strength of our local people, our partnerships, and our shared ambition for a greener future,” said Joy Rice, vice president for supply chain of Carlsberg Asia. “With this expansion, Phu Bai becomes more than a brewery. It’s a blueprint for how we grow: with purpose, with responsibility, and with long-term value creation for Vietnam and beyond.”

Accelerating green goals, supporting Vietnam’s Net-Zero Journey

The Phu Bai Brewery Expansion supports both Carlsberg’s global Together Towards ZERO and Beyond (TTZAB) agenda and Vietnam’s national roadmap toward net-zero by 2050. The brewery runs on iREC-certified renewable electricity and biomass-powered steam, with all wastewaters treated using advanced filtration systems.

In 2024, Phu Bai achieved a water efficiency rate of 2.09 hl/hl, among the top 10 across Carlsberg Asia and one of the lowest water consumption rates in the local brewing industry. The site is on track to reach 2.0 hl/hl by 2026 with further goals of zero waste to landfill by end-2025 and net-zero carbon emissions in production by 2028.

By 2026, Carlsberg Vietnam also aims for 100% reusable or recyclable packaging across bottles, kegs, and cans, furthering its commitment to a circular economy and sustainable packaging innovation.

“Our vision has always been to grow together with Vietnam,” added Andrew Khan. “We don’t measure success by volume alone. True growth comes from creating lasting value – for people, the environment, and the communities that have supported us for more than 30 years. This expansion is not just about brewing more beer – it’s about brewing a better future for Vietnam.”

Carlsberg’s journey in Vietnam began over three decades ago, with Phu Bai Brewery at the heart of its deep-rooted connection to the central region. As the company moves forward, it remains committed to growing alongside Vietnam, empowering communities, advancing sustainable growth, and reinforcing the country’s role in Carlsberg’s global journey toward a greener, more resilient future.

Carlsberg was one of the first Danish multinational corporations to invest in Vietnam, entering the market in 1993. Today, it stands among the country’s leading beer companies, employing over 3,800 people directly and indirectly.

The Huda brand, affectionately known as the Pride of Central, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of consumers, while the company is also expanding rapidly across Vietnam with its international premium portfolio, including Carlsberg, 1664 Blanc, Tuborg, and Somersby.

Over more than three decades, Carlsberg Vietnam has remained committed to supporting the country’s economic and social development. The company is taking bold steps to advance its sustainability agenda and minimize its environmental footprint.

As part of its community outreach, Carlsberg Vietnam has provided clean water access to over 9,000 households, delivered thousands of gift packs to low-income families, built charitable homes, and supported disaster relief efforts. Through these initiatives, the company continues to make a meaningful difference, fostering community connection and shared responsibility for a better Vietnam.