The upgrade will make it the company’s largest brewery in Asia, and should be completed by the end of this month
Danish brewer Carlsberg is poised to complete a US$90 million expansion of its Phu Bai brewery in central Vietnam by late August 2025, elevating its annual production capacity by 50% and securing its status as Carlsberg’s largest brewing site in Asia.
The upgrade will see output rise from approximately 3.6 million hectolitres to around 6.0 million hectolitres, with trial runs already underway and full-scale production due to commence within weeks. The enhanced line dramatically increases canning efficiency from 48,000 to 120,000 cans per hour, while preserving the existing bottle, can, and keg lines.
Despite facing headwinds in the first half of 2025 of weak demand, evolving consumer habits, and fierce competition, Carlsberg has remained steadfast in its employment commitments of sustaining more than 3,800 jobs (direct and indirect), and maintaining its role as a major taxpayer in the city of Hue.
On 7 August, company delegates met Hue municipal authorities to seek support for the imminent launch and in stamping out unlicensed craft brews and counterfeit products. City officials have pledged swift facilitation across infrastructure, administrative procedures, and investing in alignment with Hue’s cultural identity. Discussions were held on integrating the brewery’s marketing with those of signature local events such as the Hue Festival, Ao Dai Festival, and Royal Night.
Carlsberg will also continue to champion sustainability and community investment at the expanded site. In 2024, Phu Bai recorded water efficiency of just 2.09 hl per hl of beer placing it among the most water-efficient brewers in Vietnam. Furthermore, its local “Fresh Water for Beloved Central” initiative, which since 2019 has supplied clean water to tens of thousands of people in Vietnam’s central region, will continue.
Carlsberg entering Vietnam in 1993 as the first Danish multinational and commands significant central-region market share with its flagship Huda brand.
