Brewers vie for growth in Asia

Heineken’s expansion of its production in Vietnam by taking over a brewery from rival Carlsberg highlights growing interest by global beer brands to quench the thirst of about 70 million locals in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

With a thriving street-side cafe and bar culture, young population and rising middle class, Vietnam is luring brewers such as Heineken, Thai Beverage and Asahi to expand in the country.

Interest is also being piqued by the government’s plans to offload lucrative assets, with Carlsberg in line to more than double its stake in state-run Hanoi Beer Alcohol Beverage or Habeco.