Tan Hiep Phat - three decades of serving society

When the first bottles rolled off a basic production line 30 years ago, few could foresee the group owning advanced manufacturing lines and shipping a wide range of products around the globe today. Tan Hiep Phat currently extends its reach to 20 countries, including discerning markets such as the EU, United States, and Japan.

Some observers considered it a risk when the group started trading during Vietnam's nascent open economy. At that time, a huge investment was required for the production line and labour workforce while the demand for beverages was low, especially in rural areas. However, today, the beverage industry is now worth about VND60 trillion ($2.4 billion).

There have been opportunities and challenges in the beverage industry. High input material costs are coupled with shrinking demand and other unpredictable variables, such as the pandemic.

However, there are also businesses that remain steadfast thanks to their long-term and sustainable vision, such as Tan Hiep Phat. Since its establishment, Tan Hiep Phat has been steadfast in its mission to produce and trade products that are in demand by Asian consumers.

Tan Hiep Phat has invested in 12 aseptic production lines. This advanced technology helps its products retain their nutrients while retaining their natural colour and flavour, all without preservatives. Leveraging its local competitive advantages in raw materials and personnel, Tan Hiep Phat has become a nationwide brand.

Tan Hiep Phat is the only beverage firm in Vietnam to own 12 aseptic lines. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Thanks to a clear business strategy right from the start, Tan Hiep Phat has secured a solid foothold in the market and won the hearts of its customers.

Chu Thi Van Anh, vice president and general secretary of the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association, said, "Over the last 30 years, Tan Hiep Phat Group has consistently seen its primary responsibility as serving society with many meaningful and impactful activities in line with its core values."

Vietnam is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as salt intrusion in the Mekong Delta, or the recent destruction brought by Typhoon Yagi and the ensuing floods in the north. To offer its support, Tan Hiep Phat has joined with local organisations and authorities to implement the 'Drops of Gratitude' initiative in drought-stricken areas, easing the burden for tens of thousands of people with convenient access to clean water.

Tan Hiep Phat is collaborating with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee to donate 10 water purifier projects across six Mekong Delta provinces with a total value of VND2.1 billion ($83,000). Recently, in collaboration with local authorities, the group donated 200,000 Number 1 Pure Water products and 620 cubic metres of fresh water.

Tan Hiep Phat's 'Drops of Gratitude' initiative helps people in the Mekong Delta overcome drought and salt intrusion. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

To support people affected by Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath, Tan Hiep Phat has donated 8,000 boxes of products including Number 1 Soya Calcium soy milk, Number 1 energy drink, and Number 1 Active with salty lemon flavour, with a total value of more than VND1.2 billion ($47,449).

In addition to emergency support programmes, Tan Hiep Phat has implemented long-term strategies to ensure sustainable development for business and society. The group launched its lightweight bottle project 10 years ago, where each bottle's weight was reduced by nearly 20 per cent. At the same time, thanks to investment in aseptic technology, the company can also drive down the loss rate in the production process, along with reducing electricity, water usage, and plastic waste. Over nine years, about 78,000 tonnes of plastic waste have been eliminated by these schemes.

Tan Hiep Phat strives to invest in recycling, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Other important measures include recycling used plastic film and plastic bags into multipurpose bags. The group has had plastic recycling lines operating since 2021.

Over the past three decades, Tan Hiep Phat has made efforts to serve society, especially the vulnerable. Hoang Thi Dieu, who has been battling Kallmann syndrome for 10 years, is among those receiving support. When her career began to flourish, Diu was forced to quit her job at a general hospital in Dong Hung district (Thai Binh).

Having overcoming her challenges, she now aspires to share her knowledge with others, teaching children for free in the community. Her class has become a place to nurture the joy of learning and the spirit that nothing is impossible.

Hoang Thi Diu (centre) teaching her class. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Huynh Thanh Thao (right) shares her story. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Meanwhile, Huynh Thanh Thao, born in Lap Thuong commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, in 1986, is dealing with vitreous bone disease. Even though she didn’t go to school, Thao has pursued self-study and has written articles and stories for the radio. Thao has opened a home library, where local young people can come to exchange and live.

Tan Hiep Phat has teamed up with Humanitarian Television to inspire those born less-fortunate through the 'Connecting With Love' initiative, which honours such strong-willed people and those who have overcome adversity to develop a better society. Up to now, the initiative has honoured more than 50 individuals and their inspiring stories.

Tan Hiep Phat: a 30-year journey of sustainable development In early October, Tan Hiep Phat, Vietnam's leading beverage manufacturer, in collaboration with the Red Cross Society of Hau Giang Province, awarded 200 scholarships, each worth VND1 million ($39.54) to disadvantaged students.

Tan Hiep Phat awards 200 scholarships to disadvantaged students in Binh Duong On October 28, Tan Hiep Phat, Vietnam's leading beverage manufacturer, joined forces with Binh Duong Youth Union to award 200 scholarships to underprivileged students.