Sustainable development in Central Vietnam a priority for Carlsberg Vietnam

"Fresh water for beloved Central” is expected to bring clean water access to more than 10,000 people this year

2020 has been a challenging time for Vietnam as well as the central region. As one of the leading brewers in Vietnam and one that has embraced a philosophy of sustainability from the very start, what has Carlsberg Vietnam been doing to support sustainable growth in the central region in the face of recent challenges?

Having been in Vietnam for three decades through our core brand Huda, which is known locally as “a son of the central region”, Carlsberg has always prioritised helping local people develop in a sustainable way.

While the pandemic and natural disasters have temporarily put many economic, social, and cultural activities on hold, Huda has still managed to implement long-term initiatives to assist sustainable growth in the region. One notable contribution has been our long-term corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme: “Fresh water for beloved Central”. Besides fostering long-term economic growth and social well-being in the region, the programme is also a manifestation of our sustainability objectives in Vietnam, in particular resolving problems related to access to natural resources.

Since 2019, Huda has worked hand in hand with local authorities in implementing this central-focused initiative. We have collaborated closely with leading experts in the field to study the causes of water shortages and related difficulties faced by local people and have accordingly offered tailor-made solutions to ensure a secure water supply. The first three projects were implemented in the central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri in 2019. As for 2020, we have extended the geographic scope of the programme by expanding it to four provinces, which increases the total number of beneficiaries in two years to more than 15,000 people. Two projects in Nghe An and Thua Thien-Hue have been successfully accomplished. Once weather conditions are favourable, other projects in Quang Tri and Quang Binh will also be finalised in this December. This is progress we can take pride in, particularly given the challenges of 2020.

“Freshwater for Beloved Central” has almost sailed through its second year with even more impressive results than in the first. Can you share with us the motivation behind this sizeable progress?

The construction of four projects has been carried out ceaselessly despite the challenges of 2020

For years, “giving back to society” has been embedded in Carlsberg’s agenda. It is what motivates us to run our business with a sustainable mindset behind all of our decisions; this programme is no exception. Our visionary founder, J.C. Jacobsen, was driven by an ambition to brew for a better today and tomorrow. This requires both us and his descendants to not only brew better quality beer, but also contribute to a better community through a relentless drive toward sustainable development.

The long-term connection with Vietnam has also been great driving force for us. Its presence looms large over every aspect of our support for the local community and sustainable development as a whole. As a son of the central region for over three decades, we are sincerely grateful for the support and love from the local people. Working toward sustainability and our other responses to local needs is a token of our appreciation.

In the future, we will keep setting a high bar for ourselves, never settling for immediate gain but constantly accelerating our efforts for a better tomorrow for the local community.

For the upcoming period, how will Carlsberg Vietnam and its Huda brand support the central region as it overcomes unexpected challenges and foster sustainable growth?

For the rest of 2020, we will set our focus on the successful execution of the two projects in Quang Binh and Quang Tri, hitting this year’s goal of ensuring 10,000 local people have a stable and safe water supply. We are also setting our sights on the third year of the programme, allowing us to continue our global philosophy: “Brewing for better today and tomorrow”.

For the time being, accompanying central residents in their journey towards long-term social and economic development will remain one of our top priorities. With that at our very core, we will continue to work closely with local authorities, investigate local conditions, and invest all possible efforts to implement practical yet meaningful initiatives for local people.

Huda donates 6,000 gift packs for the six hardest-hit central provinces during the extreme flooding

Additionally, we will actively observe and listen to the central people’s need for prompt assistance. We are proud of our role as a pioneering company that has always stood by the people of the central region with prompt and practical support through thick and thin. Our efforts in what has been a turbulent 2020 have consolidated our long-standing bond built over the past 30 years of companionship with the central region.

Carlsberg Vietnam’s 30-year journey of multi-aspect investments in Central Vietnam

Carlsberg supporting central-based citizens

Perfection at every turn Carlsberg for sustainability