With the huge potential for cooperation in beverage production between Vietnam and Japan, Vietnamese enterprises expect to connect more deeply with Japanese partners.

Within the framework of his working trip to Japan from December 18 to 22, 2024, on the morning of December 19, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien chaired the Vietnam - Japan Business Forum 2024. The event was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the ASEAN - Japan Center.

Overview of the Vietnam - Japan Business Forum 2024. Photo: Nguyen Minh

The forum attracted the participation of more than 100 delegates from management agencies, trade promotion organizations and the Vietnamese and Japanese business community. This is an opportunity for businesses, leaders and experts from both countries to exchange, learn and explore new cooperation opportunities, including Hanoi Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (HABECO).

At the Forum, Mr. Tran Dinh Thanh - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hanoi Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (HABECO) gave a presentation on the potential for cooperation in the field of beverage production with Japanese partners.

With a history of more than 130 years, HABECO has transformed from a small brewery built by the French in 1890 to one of the leading enterprises in the beverage industry in Vietnam and the region.

In recent years, with the goal of conquering the international market, HABECO has focused on developing human resources through cooperation with world-leading experts from the UK, Japan, etc., helping HABECO create new products that are suitable for market trends.

Mr. Tran Dinh Thanh - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hanoi Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (HABECO) spoke at the Vietnam - Japan Business Forum 2024. Photo: Nguyen Minh

Mr. Tran Dinh Thanh shared that HABECO has exported more than 7.6 million liters of beer and 660,000 liters of wine to international markets, including the UK, Russia, France, Australia, South Korea and Taiwan (China). In particular, 2023 marks a new step forward when Hanoi Beer products are officially exported to the United States, one of the most demanding markets in the world.

Regarding the Japanese market, Mr. Thanh said that Japan is a market with extremely strict standards and is also one of HABECO's key markets. Since 2012, HABECO has cooperated with major distribution companies in Japan such as KOME COMPANY LIMITED and IMAI LIMITED, bringing products such as Hanoi Premium Beer, Truc Bach and Nep Moi and Thanh Mai wine to Japanese consumers. HABECO's presence in Japan is not only a testament to its superior quality but also contributes to promoting the image of Vietnam.

In addition to distribution, HABECO also cooperates with Tokuoka Co., Ltd to manufacture 330ml MUGI HOUJYOU canned beer, meeting the diverse needs of Japanese consumers. HABECO products are present in many Vietnamese restaurants and large supermarkets in Tokyo and Osaka, creating a special impression in the Vietnamese and Japanese communities.

Mr. Tran Dinh Thanh emphasized:  “Japan is a potential market, not only because of the large Vietnamese community but also because of the demand for high-quality beer. HABECO wishes to cooperate extensively with leading Japanese beverage companies to share technology and expand market share.”

The Vietnamese community in Japan is growing with nearly 500,000 people, of which more than 350,000 are of working age. This is a great opportunity for HABECO to approach and expand the market. Mr. Tran Dinh Thanh expressed his hope that through the forum, HABECO will have the opportunity to connect more deeply with Japanese partners to bring the Vietnamese brand further.

The Vietnam - Japan Business Forum 2024 is not only a place for HABECO to demonstrate its stature and aspirations for internationalization, but also affirms the company's commitment to promoting international cooperation, enhancing brand value and contributing to the sustainable development of the beverage industry.