Cambrew’s newly appointed Managing Director, Mr. Michiel Oerlemans, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, to discuss industry collaboration, market challenges, and the company’s future direction in Cambodia. The meeting highlighted Cambodia’s evolving beverage sector and the government’s push for responsible, sustainable growth.
During the discussion, Mr. Oerlemans shared his professional background, noting decades of experience in the global beverage industry, including senior leadership roles with the Carlsberg Group in Myanmar and Laos. He expressed his commitment to strengthening Cambrew’s operational performance and deepening cooperation with Cambodian authorities.
Minister Vanndy warmly welcomed the new Managing Director and praised Cambrew’s long-standing presence as a responsible corporate citizen, key taxpayer, and contributor to Cambodia’s economic development. He underscored the government’s priority to ensure stability in the beverage sector—particularly through its moratorium on new beer-production licenses, except for export-focused ventures. This policy aims to maintain industry balance, prevent oversupply, and encourage healthier competition.
The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s intention to regulate excessive promotional activities that may encourage harmful consumption patterns. He stressed that a “race to the bottom,” driven by aggressive discounting and intense promotional campaigns, undermines sector performance and long-term business sustainability.
A key part of the conversation centered on inclusive growth. Minister Vanndy encouraged Cambrew to increase the use of local content in its production lines, supporting Cambodian SMEs and strengthening domestic supply chains. He also requested the company’s cooperation in helping informal-economy actors connected to the beverage ecosystem—such as beer promoters, street vendors, and small beverage depots—to formally register. This would enable them to gain legal protections, social security benefits, and better income stability.
Mr. Oerlemans welcomed these recommendations, expressing willingness to explore greater local sourcing and enhance community support as part of Cambrew’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. He reaffirmed Cambrew’s commitment to contributing to a healthier, more competitive, and more inclusive beverage industry in Cambodia.
With the arrival of its new leadership, Cambrew enters a fresh phase of strategic alignment with national priorities—focusing on responsible marketing, local economic integration, and long-term industry resilience.
Also read, ADB’s New Cambodia Director Meets Minister Hem Vanndy, Vows Stronger Support for Private Sector
