Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, recently received a delegation from HEINEKEN, led by Jacco van der Linden, HEINEKEN’s Regional President for Asia Pacific. The visit marked the brewer’s 30 years of operations in the Kingdom, a relationship that began when HEINEKEN entered the Cambodian market in 1994. Since then, the company has made significant investments, including a state-of-the-art brewery in Phnom Penh, and has become a key player in the country’s economy.
The event also highlighted HEINEKEN Cambodia’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, operating under its “Brew a Better Cambodia” agenda, focusing on environmental, social, and responsible drinking pillars. The 30th-anniversary celebrations carry the theme “Orkun for 30 Years” as a token of gratitude to the Kingdom, its people, and local business partners for years of collaboration.
HEINEKEN’s Economic Impact: A $438 Million Contribution to Cambodia
As part of the anniversary, HEINEKEN Cambodia presented a report titled “HEINEKEN’s 2023 Socio-economic Contribution to the Kingdom of Cambodia” to Prime Minister Hun Manet. The report, prepared by impact measurement consultancy Steward Redqueen, detailed the company’s significant economic contributions.
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According to the study, HEINEKEN’s operations contributed around USD 438 million to the Cambodian economy in 2023, accounting for approximately 1.4% of the country’s total GDP, which stands at USD 31.1 billion. HEINEKEN’s direct workforce in Cambodia totals 727 employees, while the company supports an additional 66,000 jobs indirectly across various sectors, from agriculture to retail and hospitality.
The report also emphasized the brewer’s focus on local procurement, with 75% of its total purchasing directed toward domestic suppliers, further boosting the local economy. “HEINEKEN has strong roots in Cambodia, and we are proud to have contributed to the Kingdom’s development over the past three decades,” said van der Linden. “We foster growth with our stakeholders across the value chain from barley to bar, operating with a deep respect for Cambodian culture, customs, community, and regulations.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Growth
Alongside its economic contributions, HEINEKEN remains committed to fostering sustainable development in Cambodia. Andy Hewson, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Cambodia, highlighted the company’s efforts to ensure that their operations benefit the broader Cambodian society. “Over the past 30 years, HEINEKEN has been part of the social fabric of the country. We are not just an investor but also a contributor to the economy and society,” Hewson noted.
HEINEKEN’s “Brew a Better Cambodia” initiative is built around three central pillars: sustaining the environment, improving society, and promoting responsible consumption. HEINEKEN Cambodia recently launched Heineken® 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer aimed at encouraging moderation while providing consumers with more choices for various occasions.
HEINEKEN’s role as one of Cambodia’s earliest investors, coupled with its ongoing efforts to support local communities, has established the brewer as a key contributor to Cambodia’s development. The presentation of the socio-economic report reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s growth, aligning with Cambodia’s broader economic goals.
As Cambodia continues to develop, HEINEKEN’s deep-rooted presence in the Kingdom, coupled with its sustainability-driven business model, signals that the brewer will remain a key player in the country’s growth story for years to come.
