Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, received a courtesy call from a HEINEKEN delegation led by HEINEKEN’s Regional President Asia Pacific, Jacco van der Linden, to mark the brewer’s 30-year journey and contributions to the Kingdom.

HEINEKEN was one of the Kingdom’s first major investors having entered the Cambodian market in 1994. Since then, HEINEKEN Cambodia has invested significantly in its state-of-the-art brewery in Phnom Penh and continues to lead the Brew a Better Cambodia sustainability agenda focused on the Environmental, Social and Responsible pillars.

HEINEKEN Cambodia’s contribution and partnership with the Kingdom of Cambodia is a major part of its 30th anniversary theme which has a tagline “Orkun for 30 Years” – as a symbol of gratitude to the Kingdom, its people, as well as local business partners for the years of collaboration.

Leading the delegation, HEINEKEN’s Regional President Asia Pacific, Jacco van der Linden thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia, which enables HEINEKEN Cambodia to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development, saying: “HEINEKEN has strong roots in Cambodia, and we are proud to have contributed to the Kingdom’s development over the past three decades. 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. We aim to continue building on this legacy, creating opportunities for sustainable growth, and making a positive impact with Cambodian businesses and communities, in line with HEINEKEN’s purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world.”

In conjunction with the company’s 30th anniversary, HEINEKEN Cambodia submitted a report titled “HEINEKEN’s 2023 Socio-economic Contribution to the Kingdom of Cambodia” to the Prime Minister.

The report, which includes findings from a study conducted by impact measurement consultancy Steward Redqueen, found that HEINEKEN Cambodia’s overall support to the Kingdom’s economy amounted to USD $438 million in 2023. This value-added support, which includes contributions from upstream and downstream partners and suppliers, represents 1.4% of the country’s GDP (which is currently estimated at USD 31.1 billion). The report also found that HEINEKEN Cambodia employs 727 jobs in its direct operations, while supporting a further indirect 66,000 jobs across the whole value chain. The jobs – and benefits – that HEINEKEN Cambodia supports are in many sectors of the economy from trade to agriculture.

 In addition, 75% of HEINEKEN Cambodia’s total procurement expenses was on domestic suppliers, driving upstream impacts in the value chain. The report also shows the strong link between the beverage industry and Cambodia’s retail trade sector, with off-trade retailers including drinkshops as well as the on-trade hospitality sector among the key beneficiaries of value created.

HEINEKEN Cambodia Managing Director Andy Hewson, who was part of the HEINEKEN delegation, added: “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. This is why we put so much effort into our Brew a Better Cambodia pillars that are intended to improve the lives of communities and the country, by leading the way with programs that sustain the environment, improve society, and promote responsibility.”

HEINEKEN is the world’s most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium and non-alcoholic beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 350 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. In Cambodia, HEINEKEN’s portfolio of high-quality local and international brands includes Heineken®, Tiger, ABC, Anchor and Gold Crown. HEINEKEN Cambodia recently launched Heineken® 0.0, the world’s leading zero alcohol beer, empowering consumers with choice and options for all drinking occasions, whilst encouraging moderation and responsible consumption.

Steward Redqueen has conducted over 100 impact studies in more than 70 countries in a timespan exceeding twenty years. The consultancy has over fifteen years experience working with the HEINEKEN company in more than 30 markets conducting in excess of 50 studies.