Andrew Khan, Managing Director of Carlsberg Vietnam, shares how this milestone goes beyond capacity, driving innovation, sustainability, and community impact as part of Carlsberg’s global Accelerate SAIL strategy.
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Andrew Khan, Managing Director of Carlsberg Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Carlsberg Vietnam |
– Carlsberg Vietnam has just inaugurated the largest beer production facility in Carlsberg Asia. What does this expansion represent for the company?
– This expansion is not just about scale, it reflects our long-term commitment to Vietnam. We’re building not only a bigger brewery but also the foundation for the future.
Phu Bai is now our largest beer production site in Asia and one of the most productive across the Carlsberg Group in terms of labor efficiency, thanks to advanced technology, automation, and the strength of our local team.
The purpose was never only to increase volume. It is about sustainable growth, strengthening the supply chain, improving product quality, and creating long-term value for consumers and communities.
The expansion also symbolizes our commitment to quality. Our local brands Huda and Halida have been recognized with multiple international awards, including Gold Quality Awards from Monde Selection in 2024. These achievements reflect both our brewing standards and the dedication of our people.
This facility enables us to meet demand across our portfolio, from global premium brands like Carlsberg, 1664 Blanc, Tuborg, and Somersby to Halida and Huda, the iconic brand of central Vietnam for more than 35 years.
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The inauguration ceremony of the Phu Bai Brewery Expansion Project marked a major milestone in the company’s journey, opening a promising new journey towards a sustainable future. Photo courtesy of Carlsberg Vietnam |
– What do you expect this expansion to deliver, for the business and beyond?
– It allows us to meet Vietnam’s growing demand and executes our commercial growth strategy with greater capacity, efficiency, and agility.
But beyond business results, I expect it to be a catalyst for how we operate: with sharper execution, a stronger innovation mindset, and deeper commitments to sustainability and people. Success will not just be measured in hectoliters, but in how we lead, engage with communities, and live our values.
– What’s next for Carlsberg Vietnam following this expansion milestone?
– The expansion gives us the platform, but what we do with it is more important. Our priority is to operate with excellence, stay close to consumers, and grow in ways that are sustainable, people-focused, and community-driven.
We will continue to deliver on volume, but even more on values, earning trust, staying relevant, and fulfilling our purpose of “brewing for a better today and tomorrow.”
– How is the Phu Bai expansion helping deliver Carlsberg Vietnam’s strong environmental commitments?
– Sustainability is built into every part of this site. Phu Bai Brewery now runs entirely on iREC-certified renewable electricity and a biomass steam system, eliminating carbon emissions from production.
We’ve introduced advanced water-saving technologies and a best-in-class wastewater treatment system, reaching a water usage rate of just 2.09 hl/hl in 2024, among the lowest in Vietnam and within the top 10 most efficient across Carlsberg Asia.
Looking ahead:
By 2025: achieve zero waste to landfill.
By 2026: reduce water use to 2.0 hl/hl and ensure 100% reusable or recyclable packaging.
By 2028: reach net-zero carbon emissions in production, supporting Vietnam’s net-zero 2050 ambition.
These are not just milestones, they are commitments we live by through our Together Towards Zero and Beyond campaign, where Vietnam plays an important role.
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Carlsberg Vietnam is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in production by 2028, contributing to Vietnam’s ambition of net zero by 2050. Photo courtesy of Carlsberg Vietnam |
– What role does innovation play in the Phu Bai expansion, and how does it go beyond technology?
– Innovation has been central. Technologically, we operate one of Vietnam’s fastest packaging lines, powered by real-time analytics for line efficiencies and automation. Our new brew line consumes 20% less water and 15% less energy—smarter, greener, and future-ready.
But innovation here is also about mindset. It helps people work better, safer, and with pride. Our productivity gains come not only from automation but from how people and technology work together.
– How do you ensure that innovation is inclusive, not disruptive?
– By involving people early and building changes together. From AI-enabled forklifts to redesigned traffic flows, upgrades were shaped with direct input from the brewery floor.
We’ve invested heavily in upskilling, including technical training, leadership development, and health and safety coaching. For innovation to succeed, people must have the tools, confidence, and trust to grow with it.
– How has the expansion improved working conditions and safety on-site?
– From the start, safety was our top principle. Every decision put people first.
We built new entrance facilities with modern locker rooms, canteens, and daily uniform services. The packaging hall is fully ventilated for comfort, and traffic across the site has been fully separated for pedestrians and vehicles.
Our forklift fleet is now fully electric with AI-enabled safety systems to detect risks in real time. During construction, we recorded over 1.4 million safe working hours, a reflection of our safety culture.
For us, safety isn’t a checklist, it’s a mindset. Every improvement starts with the question: Is this safer and better for our people? If yes, we proceed. If not, we redesign until it is.
– How do you see Carlsberg Vietnam contributing to the local economy and community in the years ahead?
– As we grow commercially, we’ll contribute more to the state budget and local socio-economic development.
Our vision is to grow with Vietnam, not just in market share, but in shared value with communities. We’re investing in local partners, transferring global expertise, and raising sustainability standards across the supply chain.
Socially, our Fresh Water for Beloved Central program has provided clean water to thousands of households over seven years. It’s an example of moving beyond CSR to creating real, lasting impact.
We aspire to be more than a good business, we aim to be a trusted partner to government, suppliers, and every community we serve.
– As a leader, what does this milestone mean to you personally?
– It’s a proud moment, not just because of the scale but because of how we achieved it – safely, sustainably, and with a strong local team at the center.
It reminds me that when we lead with purpose and trust our people, great things happen.
