TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Heineken N.V. has unveiled plans to invest NT$13.5 billion (US$414 million) over the next five years in Taiwan, marking a significant shift from sales to manufacturing within the island. The announcement came during a ceremony at Heineken's Pingtung brewery on Friday (April 26), where the company also committed to making the facility net zero by 2030. Wu Chien-fu (吳建甫), head of Heineken's Taiwan branch, emphasized the move as a response to two decades of strong support from Taiwanese consumers.
After acquiring majority ownership and management rights of the Long Chuan Zuan Co. brewery in Neipu Township, Pingtung, in 2022, Heineken began production in the first quarter of this year. Wu highlighted the company's ambition to export "Made in Taiwan" (MIT) products to neighboring countries, aiming for global recognition of MIT products. This strategic pivot underscores Heineken's commitment to Taiwan and its potential as a manufacturing hub in East Asia.
Also in attendance, Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) noted that Taiwan is Heineken's second-largest export market globally. He underscored the significance of the Pingtung brewery's production for the East Asian market and its potential benefits for Taiwanese farmers. Lai also lauded Heineken's net zero goal as a benchmark for Taiwan's brewing industry and expressed hope for the Pingtung brewery to become one of Heineken's top-quality breweries worldwide, using locally sourced brewing barley.
Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) expressed pride in Pingtung being chosen as the first city in Taiwan for production by an international brewing company. According to Chou, the inclusion of MIT on Heineken canned beer is a significant achievement for the region.
Heineken's investment signifies a major shift in its operations in Taiwan and sets a new standard for sustainability and local sourcing in the brewing industry. As the company moves forward with its ambitious plans, the impact on Taiwan's economy and its position in the global market is expected to be profound.
