Vietnam: Carlsberg Vietnam appoints new managing director

Andrew Khan has been appointed the new managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, one of the brewing multinational’s “key growth engines” globally, The Drinks Business reported on September 12.

Carlsberg, the world’s third largest brewer, intends to expand premium brands across key markets with the new appointment.

Khan said of his new role: “Vietnam is one of the key growth engines for Carlsberg Group globally and in Asia. It is an honour to be in this fast-growing market and sail alongside the passionate and dedicated team. I am very confident that Carlsberg Vietnam will continue to thrive, deliver sustainable growth, and provide exceptional products to our customers, as well as creating lasting value for the communities we proudly serve.”

Khan has been appointed MD of Carlsberg Group’s Vietnam arm following a five-year tenure with the company.

He has worked as global vice president of premium and beyond beer at Carlsberg Group since 2022. In this role Khan led the growth of brands like 1664 Blanc, Brooklyn, and Somersby.

He first joined the group in 2019 as chief marketing officer for Carlsberg Group China.

Prior to this Khan held a role at Möet Hennessy Diageo China, where he worked for more than eight years.

Asia has been and remains a key volume and value growth driver for Carlsberg.

Vietnam poses challenges for the brewer, but unlike its competitors, Carlsberg is doubling down in the market. Data from the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association (VBA) shows a year-on-year decline in beer profits of 23% in 2023 for the country. Brewing giant Heineken has decided to “temporarily suspend” its Quang Nam brewery in Vietnam, one of six it operates in the country, against a backdrop of declining beer sales.

The country also announced new tax reforms on alcohol in July, proposing a phased increase in excise taxes for all alcoholic beverages, with particularly harsh measures set out for beer and liquor with an ABV of 20% and above.

“Levying high tax rates is necessary to help reduce consumption of alcoholic drinks,” the finance ministry said in the proposal.

“Alcoholic drinks and beer prices will increase by 20% in 2026, compared with 2025,” it said. This does not account for a potential further increase of 2%-3%, depending on inflation.

In China, the company is eyeing up both value and volume growth through its portfolio of local, international and ‘Beyond Beer’ brands, the company said in February, with focus on western parts of the country as well as big cities.

12 September, 2024