CIR Lifestyle
Cambodia’s fast-evolving craft beer segment is preparing for its largest public showcase to date, with the inaugural Great Cambodian Craft Beer Festival set to take place on Saturday, January 31, in Phnom Penh. Organisers say the event reflects both rising consumer demand for premium, locally made products and the growing maturity of Cambodia’s small-scale manufacturing and hospitality ecosystem.
The one-day festival will be held at Coconut Park on Koh Pich from 2:00 PM until midnight, bringing together more than 10 craft breweries and over 20 vendors in what is being positioned as the Kingdom’s largest celebration of locally produced beer. Alongside tastings, the event will feature live music, food, and entertainment, underscoring how craft beer has increasingly become part of Cambodia’s broader lifestyle and leisure economy.
A growing market for premium local products
The festival is hosted by Bash Brewing and Botanico Brewing Co., two of Cambodia’s longest-established craft brewers, and is co-organised by the German Business Cambodia chapter of EuroCham. Both breweries are also members of the Craft Brewers Association of Cambodia, an industry body that has played a role in professionalising standards and advocating for the sector.
According to organisers, the timing reflects a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. Craft beer, once a niche offering largely consumed by expatriates, is now gaining traction among Cambodian drinkers who are seeking higher-quality, more distinctive products. Festival attendees will be able to sample a wide range of locally brewed beers and take part in a public vote to select the audience’s favourite brew of the day.
Marco Günther, managing director of Botanico Brewing Co. and a board member of the Craft Brewers Association of Cambodia, said Cambodia has seen numerous small and medium-sized beer events over recent years, but none at a national scale that directly targets a broader Khmer audience.
He noted that interest and sales of craft beer have increased sharply, driven in part by growing curiosity among Cambodian consumers. Organisers believe the festival provides an opportunity to consolidate that momentum while offering smaller producers greater visibility in a competitive beverage market dominated by large international brands.
More than beer: culture, music and services
Beyond brewing, the festival highlights the interconnected nature of Cambodia’s business community, particularly in food and beverage, entertainment, and services. Six live bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day, with Kampot Play Boys and Checkered Past headlining the lineup. Other performers include Ms Sarawan, Bustaka Band, Zak Zoot, and Cambodia Sound Base, supported by DJ Cory, delivering a mix of Khmer classics, original compositions, and popular music.
Daniel Marchette, chief commercial officer at Bash Brewing, said the festival is designed to reflect a modern and outward-looking Cambodia. He pointed to the diverse backgrounds of vendors, partners, and performers, whose roots span Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and North America.
According to Marchette, the breadth of participation illustrates Cambodia’s appeal as both a consumer market and a place to live and do business, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises operating in lifestyle-oriented sectors.
Sponsorship and commercial ecosystem
The event is supported by a mix of local and international service providers that operate within Cambodia’s hospitality and events value chain. Sponsors include Sparkx Solutions, a Cambodia-based marketing and events services firm, and Degrasan Cambodia, which supplies hygiene and cleaning solutions to local breweries.
Bertie Phnom Penh, a premium cigar lounge and retailer, is also sponsoring the festival and will host a pop-up smoking lounge and bar on site. A selection of cigars will be available, alongside a dedicated cocktail and spirits offering hosted in partnership with Roodbar Cocktail Lounge and Bar, providing alternatives for attendees who may prefer drinks beyond beer.
Organisers say the combination of brewing, entertainment, and lifestyle brands reflects how craft beer events are increasingly used as platforms for cross-sector collaboration, brand building, and consumer engagement, rather than standalone tasting events.
Event details and ticketing
Pre-sale tickets for the Great Cambodian Craft Beer Festival are priced at $5 and include one complimentary beer. Tickets purchased at the door will be available for $7.50. Organisers expect strong turnout, particularly given the festival’s central location and extended opening hours.
Event details:
- What: The Great Cambodian Craft Beer Festival
- When: Saturday, January 31, 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Where: Coconut Park, Koh Pich, Phnom Penh
- Tickets: Pre-sale $5 | At the door $7.50
As Cambodia’s consumer economy continues to diversify, industry observers see events such as this as a signal of how local producers are positioning themselves to capture value through quality, branding, and community-driven experiences.
