The global beverage industry is entering a phase of systemic restructuring. Cost pressures, shifts in consumer behavior, and supply chain risks are making the traditional production model—where brands invest in and own entire manufacturing facilities—progressively less efficient. In this context, OEM and Private Label are no longer “supporting” options, but have become central strategies for many beverage groups, retail chains, and international distributors.
One of the most prominent trends is the rapid rise of Private Label products. Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on experience, product stories, and reasonable pricing, rather than loyalty to long-established brands. This shift creates room for private label beers, craft beers, functional beers, hard seltzers, and new fermented beverages. However, the biggest barrier for these models lies in achieving international-standard manufacturing at optimized costs—where OEM plays a decisive role.
At the same time, global supply chains are shifting toward Vietnam. China—the “world’s factory”—is facing rapidly rising labor costs, stricter environmental policies, and growing geopolitical risks. Vietnam is emerging as a strategic destination thanks to:
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Competitive production costs
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A young, skilled workforce
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Continuously improving industrial infrastructure
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A rare network of next-generation FTAs
In this context, Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) is not merely a domestic brewery, but is being positioned as a strategic OEM platform for regional and global markets. SMB combines three critical factors: scale, standards, and flexibility. This enables SMB not only to “produce to order,” but to accompany partners in product strategy, cost optimization, and market expansion.
📞 If you are seeking private label beverage manufacturing in Vietnam with a long-term strategic mindset, SMB is a safe and effective starting point.
Hotline: (+84) 94 1127575 | Email: Oem@biasaigonmt.com
Infrastructure Capability – Manufacturing Facilities
Infrastructure is the core foundation of any OEM service. SMB currently operates three strategic brewery clusters located in Đắk Lắk, Quy Nhơn, and Phú Yên.
Đắk Lắk is the only site dedicated exclusively to SMB’s OEM manufacturing and export activities, while also serving as the operational hub for its entire contract manufacturing capability.
The infrastructure at this location has been invested in in a synchronized and modern manner, forming the core foundation for large-scale OEM services. The brewery has a capacity of approximately 120 million liters per year and integrates highly automated brewing and filling lines, fully meeting requirements for large volumes, consistent quality, and the stringent standards of international markets.
Regarding filling lines, Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) operates a diversified system:
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Cans: 250ml, 330ml, 500ml (standard & sleek)
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Glass bottles: 330ml, 355ml, 450ml, 650ml
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PET: 300ml – 900ml
The application of Industry 4.0 technologies (SCADA, MES, inline sensors) enables precise control over:
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Fill level
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Dissolved oxygen (DO)
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CO₂ pressure
Deviations are controlled at near-zero levels, helping to reduce losses, minimize product rejection, and ensure consistent quality—an essential factor in export-oriented OEM manufacturing.
R&D capability and product customization
In OEM manufacturing, R&D is the “brain” that creates differentiated value. SMB does not approach R&D as an isolated laboratory function, but instead builds a seamless R&D–pilot–production chain, helping to shorten time to market.
The standard process begins with receiving the partner’s concept: beer style, target market, price point, and sensory requirements. Based on this, SMB’s technical team develops formulations in the lab, followed by pilot batches to test stability during scale-up. SMB’s key strength lies in its ability to maintain the same flavor profile when transitioning from small-scale to industrial production—something not all breweries are able to achieve.
From a technical perspective, Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) allows deep customization across key parameters:
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IBU (International Bitterness Unit): from light lagers to bold IPAs
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ABV: from low-alcohol beers <3% up to high-strength lines reaching 16%
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EBC: color adjustment ranging from pale gold to deep brown
SMB also has experience working with imported ingredients such as European malts, hops from the US–Germany–New Zealand, and specialty yeast strains. This is particularly important for made-to-order beer projects targeting premium markets, where ingredient storytelling and traceability play a major role in marketing.
📞 Do you have an idea but lack an R&D partner capable of turning it into a commercial product?
Hotline: (+84) 94 1127575 | Email: Oem@biasaigonmt.com
Cost and tariff advantages – a strategic focal point
This is the key reason why many international partners choose SMB over factories in China or Eastern Europe.
In terms of production costs, Vietnam offers structural advantages:
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Labor costs are 35–60% lower than in China
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Industrial electricity prices are approximately 20% lower than the regional average
In the beverage industry—where margins are heavily eroded by energy and labor costs—these figures directly improve COGS and OEM partners’ profit margins.
However, the greatest advantage lies in tariffs. Vietnam is one of the very few countries with a comprehensive network of next-generation FTAs, including:
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EVFTA (EU–Vietnam)
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CPTPP
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UKVFTA
When manufacturing at SMB and meeting rules of origin, beer products can enter the EU and UK at 0% import duty. In contrast, production in countries without FTAs may face tariffs of 15–20%.
Assume a beer container valued at USD 100,000:
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Produced at SMB: USD 0 in import duties
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Without an FTA: USD 15,000–20,000 in duties
This gap is sufficient to:
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Significantly increase profit margins, or
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Reinvest in marketing and market expansion
This is precisely why keywords such as “EVFTA tariff incentives for beer” are attracting growing interest from importers—and why SMB sits at the center of this advantage.
Quality management systems and certifications
In OEM manufacturing, quality is not only about the product, but about the management system. SMB holds a full set of key international certifications:
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FSSC 22000 – food safety.
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ISO 9001 – quality management.
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ISO 14001 – environmental management.
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ISO 50001 – energy management.
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SMETA – business ethics & social responsibility.
For OEM partners, these certifications help to:
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Easily pass audits by international distributors.
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Enhance brand credibility.
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Reduce legal risks and product recall risks.
Sustainable manufacturing (ESG) – future-ready capabilities
Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) has made significant investments in biomass energy, solar power, and circular-economy models. These initiatives not only reduce long-term operating costs, but also prepare the company for mechanisms such as the EU’s CBAM and carbon taxes.
OEM partners manufacturing at SMB can:
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Reduce the carbon footprint per unit of product
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Improve ESG scores in their brand profiles
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Gain easier access to green retail chains in Europe
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10-Step OEM Project Implementation Process
Step 1: Intake and development of the Product Brief
Step 2: Consultation on the cooperation model (OEM/ODM)
Step 3: Formula research and development (R&D)
Step 4: Sample production (Sampling & Pilot)
Step 5: Sensory evaluation and finalization of the reference sample
Step 6: Packaging design and labeling regulatory compliance
Step 7: Preparation of materials and production planning
Step 8: Mass production and quality control (QC)
Step 9: Filling, packaging, and labeling
Step 10: Logistics and after-sales support
This process ensures that projects are “right from the start – solid from the foundation,” minimizing error-related costs to the greatest extent possible.
OEM at Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) is not merely a manufacturing solution, but a strategic lever that enables partners to:
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Optimize costs
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Leverage tariff advantages
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Elevate brand positioning
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Achieve long-term sustainable growth
SMB – not just a factory, but a strategic partner for the future of the beverage industry.
Company: Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam Joint Stock Company (SMB)
Head Office Address: 01 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam
OEM Consulting Hotline: (+84) 94 1127575
Dedicated Email: Oem@biasaigonmt.com
Official Website: https://oem.biasaigonmt.com/ -
