Aarup-Andersen reaffirmed the group’s commitment to investment, innovation and sustainable growth during discussions on strengthening bilateral economic ties and expanding investment opportunities.

Lam’s state visit to Denmark from October 19-21 marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable development.

Carlsberg, one of the first Danish multinational investors in Vietnam, has operated in the country for more than three decades.

An official return banquet hosted by Lam was held at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a Copenhagen museum founded by Carl Jacobsen, son of Carlsberg founder J.C. Jacobsen. The museum opened in 1897 after Carl Jacobsen donated his original art collection to the public.

João Abecasis, Carlsberg Asia’s executive vice president, also attended the Denmark-Vietnam Business Forum, where discussions covered Vietnam’s growing role as a manufacturing and investment hub and ways to strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Investment plans for central Vietnam

During the visit, Carlsberg presented letters of intent to the chairmen of the People’s Committees of Hue and Danang, outlining the group’s investment and development plans for the two cities over 2026-2031. Hue and Danang play a important role in Carlsberg’s long-term growth strategy in Vietnam.

In Hue, the planned investment of about $65 million would further modernize production at Phu Bai Brewery, accelerate digitalization and green transformation, strengthen supply chains, and improve product quality and food safety.

The investment would build on an expansion worth nearly $90 million that was inaugurated in August 2025, increasing the brewery’s annual production capacity by more than 50% and making it Carlsberg’s largest beer production facility in Asia.

The next phase would focus on advanced production technologies, operational efficiency, resource conservation and renewable energy, further strengthening the brewery’s role in Carlsberg’s regional manufacturing network.

In Danang, the group plans to expand its business operations and strengthen local capabilities through commercial development, digital transformation, operational upgrades and more efficient, sustainable logistics.

Carlsberg also intends to continue supporting environmental protection and community initiatives in cooperation with local partners, in line with\ Danang’s ambition to become a greener, smarter and more liveable city.

“Vietnam is one of Carlsberg’s key growth markets, and our confidence in its long-term potential is firmly grounded in more than three decades of experience and investment in the country. The expansion of Phu Bai Brewery is a clear demonstration of our commitment, and we see further opportunities to build on this foundation,” Aarup-Andersen said.

“Our ambition is to combine Carlsberg’s global capabilities with our strong local roots to drive the next phase of growth, while continuing to invest in more efficient, innovative and sustainable operations that create lasting value for Vietnam,” the CEO added.

Carlsberg seeks growth through strategic partnerships

Beyond investment in brewing operations, Carlsberg is seeking to strengthen its position in Vietnam’s evolving beer market through strategic partnerships.

The group recently agreed with Sapporo Breweries to establish a strategic joint venture covering six markets in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, including Vietnam, alongside a separate partnership in the United Kingdom.

The addition of Sapporo Premium Beer, which has a premium market positioning and Japanese heritage, would complement Carlsberg’s existing brand portfolio. In Vietnam, the partnership combines Sapporo’s brand with Carlsberg’s established local operations to support market development and future growth.

Carlsberg’s planned manufacturing investment, efforts to strengthen its commercial operations and partnership with Sapporo reflect its strategy to build a more competitive and sustainable business in Vietnam.

The group said it remained committed to investing in the country, strengthening local partnerships and creating long-term value for the economy and communities it serves.