The Dutch brewing giant will substantially invest in the country as local production comes on stream

Dutch multinational brewing company Heineken N.V. has announced plans to invest TWD13.5 billion (USD414 million) in Taiwan over the next five years to further expansion of its regional footprint. Taiwan is Heineken’s second-largest export market globally.

The multi-million-dollar investment plan comes nearly two years after Heineken took over majority ownership and management control of Taiwanese brewery Long Chuan Zuan Co. in Neipu Township, Pingtung in 2022. Following the deal, Heineken became the only major overseas brewer with local production capabilities.

Long Chuan Zuan commenced production of local Heineken in the first quarter of 2024. Wu Chien-fu, head of Heineken’s operations in Taiwan, said the transition from merely selling to manufacturing in Taiwan is a move driven by robust local consumer support over the past two decades.

The investment comes as Taiwan’s beer market continues to evolve following significant regulatory changes. The industry was tightly regulated until 2002; then Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization which required a liberalisation of the industry, ending the government’s monopoly over the beer industry.

This monopoly was previously managed by the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL), the state-owned entity that succeeded the government’s monopoly bureau. It continues to brew Taiwan Beer, the most popular beer brand in the country.