Cambodia: Heineken contributed US$438 mln ton Cambodia’s economy in 2023

In 2023, HEINEKEN Cambodia contributed USD $438 million to the local economy, as highlighted in a socio-economic impact report commissioned for the brewer’s 30th anniversary, EacNews.Asia reported on September 27.

The report, titled “HEINEKEN’s 2023 Socio-economic Contribution to the Kingdom of Cambodia,” was presented to Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet by HEINEKEN’s Regional President Asia Pacific, Jacco van der Linden, during a courtesy meeting themed “Orkun for 30 Years.” It reveals that HEINEKEN Cambodia spent 75% of its total procurement—USD $142 million—on domestic suppliers, significantly boosting the local economy in sectors such as packaging, logistics, agriculture, energy, marketing, and local investments

One local supplier benefiting from HEINEKEN Cambodia’s local expenditure is OJI Packaging. OJI Packaging Marketing Manager Dinith Naveen said: “Through our long-standing cooperation, HEINEKEN has developed an excellent understanding of our processes, ensuring efficiency and high-quality data. Their smooth business arrangements and knowledgeable staff make them incredibly easy to work with.”

Geolink Group, a leader in Cambodia’s domestic transport and logistics solutions, is another key supplier, also serving as HEINEKEN Cambodia's key partner for the production of returnable glass bottles (RGB). Geolink Group Managing Director Chamnan Leng said: “HEINEKEN demonstrates respect and openness in our enduring partnership and takes collaboration seriously. For example, they consistently ensure our staff and drivers have a dedicated office space and rest area at the factory.”

The report highlights the strong connection between the beverage industry and Cambodia’s retail trade sector that benefits both off-trade retailers, like drinkshops, and the on-trade hospitality sector. HEINEKEN products are available in over 110,000 outlets nationwide, with drinkshops comprising 96% of these locations.

Ms. Chantrea, Drinkshop owner in Phnom Penh said: “Having HEINEKEN as a partner has been a real boost for my shop. Their products are always in demand, and they’ve been great to work with. They’re not just a supplier; they genuinely support my business. Since we started selling HEINEKEN products, I’ve seen more customers coming through the door. It’s clear they care about helping businesses like mine grow, and I appreciate how reliable they have been”.

Another sector that has benefited from HEINEKEN Cambodia’s involvement is agriculture. Recently, HEINEKEN Cambodia has continued its partnership with the Cambodia Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA) This partnership, running until December 2025, is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of farmers who are members of Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) engaged in the rice value chain. Through this initiative, ten cooperatives in Battambang and five in Banteay Meanchey will directly benefit 850 individuals, with 50% being women farmers, and indirectly impact an additional 1,250 individuals over the next 17 months.

Kimna Leav, Country Director of CPSA, stated, “This impactful partnership showcases our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the rice value chain. Through our past successes, we aim to improve productivity and resilience through training in climate-smart practices and financial literacy. With HEINEKEN Cambodia, we are empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods and strengthen the agricultural cooperatives.”

HEINEKEN Cambodia’s renewed partnership builds on its initial December 2022 collaboration with CPSA. The 2nd phase of this partnership emphasizes HEINEKEN’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting local farming communities. The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and prosperous rice supply chain and high crop value in Cambodia by prioritizing climate-smart and inclusive agricultural approaches.

HEINEKEN Cambodia is one of the leading brewers in the Kingdom, established in the country in 1994. Driven by its purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, the company creates great experiences for consumers and customers with a portfolio of high-quality local and international brands, including Heineken®, Tiger, ABC, Anchor and Gold Crown. With its national footprint and state-of-the-art brewery in Phnom Penh, the company employs about 700 people and supports 120,000 indirect jobs across its value chain.

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