The beverage market—especially the beer industry—is undergoing a powerful transformation. No longer an exclusive playground for “giants” with massive capital, today’s market is opening up to Craft Beer, Local Beer, and Private Label beer brands developed by premium restaurant and hotel chains.
However, turning an idea for a unique beer flavor into a finished can in hand is a long journey filled with challenges. The biggest barrier is investment cost. Building a brewery that meets international standards requires millions of USD for equipment, water treatment systems, cold storage, and—most critically—a highly complex legal and regulatory framework.
That is why beer contract manufacturing has become a strategic “leverage tool.” It allows businesses to focus on their core strengths—Marketing and Distribution—while entrusting the production process to professional brewery operators with proven expertise.
And that is where Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) comes in—bringing beverage brand dreams to life through comprehensive beer contract manufacturing services for partners around the world.
The scale of one of the breweries of Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam — a hub that brings together some of the most advanced beer production technologies in the region.
What Is Beer Contract Manufacturing? Definition and Business Fundamentals
Core Concept
Beer contract manufacturing is a business model in which the ordering party (the brand owner) hires a capable manufacturing entity (the contract brewery) to carry out the brewing, fermentation, and packaging processes according to specific requirements.
The final product is sold under the brand name, logo, and packaging design of the ordering party. However, all technical infrastructure, human resources, and quality control processes belong to the manufacturing plant.
Industry Terminology: OEM, ODM, and Private Label
In beer contract manufacturing, clearly understanding cooperation models helps businesses position their resources effectively:
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OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
The brewery produces beer based on your existing recipe and technical specifications. You retain ownership of the flavor know-how, while the brewery acts as an “extended arm” to scale production. -
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer):
A full-package model. You only provide the target customer profile and desired sensory characteristics. The brewery handles R&D, recipe development, packaging design, and production. This model is ideal for start-ups or distributors without brewing expertise. -
Private Label:
Common among supermarket chains and F&B chains. They order standard beer lines from the brewery but apply their own branding to increase brand value and optimize profit per outlet.
Why Use Beer Contract Manufacturing? Strategic Advantages
Beer contract manufacturing is not merely a temporary solution—it is a smart long-term business strategy in the era of the sharing economy.
Capital Optimization (CAPEX vs OPEX)
Instead of committing massive capital expenditure (CAPEX) to build a brewery—an investment that may take 10–20 years to recover—businesses pay operating expenses (OPEX) per unit produced. This preserves financial flexibility for marketing and distribution expansion.
Access to Advanced Production Technology
High-speed canning lines, nano-filtration systems, and foam-stability technologies require significant investment. By manufacturing at SMB, your brand automatically benefits from advanced technologies without bearing equipment purchase or maintenance costs.
Consistent Quality Assurance
Small-scale craft production struggles to maintain 100% consistency between batches. With automated PLC-controlled systems and 24/7 quality control (QC) at an industrial brewery, your product remains consistent—from the first can to the millionth.
Faster Time-to-Market
Building a brewery takes at least 2–3 years. Contract manufacturing at SMB allows your product to reach shelves in just 2–3 months (including R&D and design). In business, speed can be more critical than scale.
Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) – A Leading Contract Manufacturing Partner
For a beer contract manufacturing project to succeed, choosing the right brewery is decisive. SMB is not just a factory—it is a strategic production ecosystem.
Strategic Locations and Logistics Capability
SMB operates three major production “fortresses” at key locations:
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Saigon Beer – Dak Lak Brewery:
Located in the Central Highlands, ideal for domestic distribution and exports to neighboring countries. -
Saigon Beer – Quy Nhon & Phu Yen Breweries:
Situated near major seaports, forming a strong base for international export orders.
Impressive Production Capacity
With total capacity reaching hundreds of millions of liters per year, SMB ensures it can support rapid brand growth without disrupting supply chains.
Dedicated Brewmaster Team
SMB is home to leading Vietnamese brewmasters—professionals who combine deep technical expertise with refined sensory skills, ready to help partners fine-tune recipes and create true differentiation.
The modern automated filling line at Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) ensures absolute accuracy and hygiene.
A–Z beer contract manufacturing process: From idea to finished can
To help clients visualize the journey clearly, SMB delivers beer contract manufacturing through a professional and transparent 10-step process:
Step 1: Intake and Product Brief Development
We sit down with you to answer key questions: Who is this beer for? Where will it be consumed? What is the target retail price? This step defines the product’s “DNA.”
Step 2: Consulting on the Cooperation Model (OEM/ODM)
Based on the brief, SMB advises the most suitable cooperation model to optimize your budget and timeline.
Step 3: Recipe Research and Development (R&D)
SMB’s laboratory team proceeds with raw material selection:
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Malt: Imported from the world’s top growing regions (Australia, EU).
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Hops: Create the distinctive aroma and bitterness profile.
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Yeast: The “soul” that defines the differences between beer styles.
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R&D experts are inspecting the quality of beer samples in a modern laboratory.
Step 4: Sample Production (Sampling & Pilot)
We brew a small batch for you to taste. This is the stage for fine-tuning: “Add a hint of floral aroma,” “Reduce the bitterness slightly,” or “Increase the alcohol content to 5%.”
Step 5: Sensory Evaluation and Final Sample Approval
The final beer sample must achieve consensus between the brewery’s technical team and the client’s brand direction.
Step 6: Packaging Design and Labeling Compliance
We support you in checking all mandatory label information in accordance with Ministry of Health regulations and export requirements. This ensures your packaging is not only visually appealing but also legally compliant.
Step 7: Material Preparation and Production Planning
SMB places orders for cans, bottle caps, and carton boxes from the most reputable suppliers to prepare for large-scale brewing.
Step 8: Mass Production and Quality Control (QC)
All parameters—fermentation temperature, pressure, and piping system cleanliness (CIP)—are monitored by computer systems. Each batch is retained and tested in the laboratory before leaving the factory.
Step 9: Filling, Packaging, and Labeling
Isobaric filling technology is used to preserve full flavor and maintain a smooth, creamy foam.
Step 10: Logistics and After-sales Support
Products are professionally palletized and transported to the customer’s warehouse or to seaports. SMB continues to accompany you by listening to market feedback.
Diversified Packaging Options – The Key to Conquering Every Sales Channel
In beer contract manufacturing, packaging is not just a container but an integral part of the marketing strategy. SMB offers one of the most diverse packaging ecosystems available today:
Aluminum Cans – Modern and Convenient
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330ml Standard Can: The most popular size, suitable for supermarkets and casual beer outlets.
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330ml Sleek Can: Tall, slim, and premium—highly favored for craft, premium beers, or hard seltzers.
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500ml (Tall Boy): Ideal for European-style beer consumption.
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250ml Can: Compact, suitable for light beverages or female-oriented markets.
Glass Bottles – Premium and Traditional
Glass bottles convey a fresher and more premium feel when served at the table in upscale restaurants (on-trade). We offer bottle sizes from 330ml to 650ml in various colors (brown, green) to protect beer from UV exposure.
PET Bottles and Beer Kegs
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PET Bottles: A cost-effective and convenient solution for soft drinks or takeaway fresh beer.
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Kegs (20L, 30L, 50L): Dedicated to draft beer outlets and beer clubs serving fresh beer directly from taps.
Unlimited packaging customization capabilities at Bia Sài Gòn – Miền Trung (SMB) help your brand stand out on store shelves.
Quality Standards and International Certifications – A “Global Passport”
One of the greatest values when using beer contract manufacturing services at Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB) is quality credibility. We do not rely on claims alone—our quality is certified by leading global organizations:
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FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification): The highest-level food safety certification, enabling your products to enter major supermarkets across the U.S. and Europe.
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ISO 9001 & ISO 14001: Ensure consistent quality management and environmentally responsible operations.
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SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit): Certification for social responsibility and business ethics—highly valued by international partners.
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ISO 50001: Energy management certification that helps reduce the carbon footprint of your products—a major advantage for brands pursuing sustainability.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Beer Contract Manufacturing Costs
Many customers ask right away: “How much does one can of beer cost?” In reality, pricing is determined by five variable factors:
1. Beer Strength and Ingredients (Malt/Hops)
Beers with higher alcohol content (ABV 6–7%) or those using large amounts of imported hops (IPA, Pale Ale) will naturally have higher base beer costs than standard lager styles.
2. Packaging Type and Printing Technology
Directly printed aluminum cans are more cost-effective at very large volumes, while shrink sleeves are more economical for smaller runs. Glass bottles have lower unit packaging costs but higher transportation costs and breakage rates compared to cans.
3. Order Quantity (MOQ – Minimum Order Quantity)
In industrial manufacturing, higher volumes mean lower unit costs. Operating a 10,000-liter brew requires nearly the same labor and energy as a 20,000-liter batch, so larger orders significantly optimize pricing.
4. Secondary Packaging Specifications
Using trays, 3-ply or 5-ply cartons, or multi-packs (4-pack, 6-pack) also impacts the final product cost.
Budget Optimization Strategies for New Beer Brands
For start-ups entering the beverage industry, SMB suggests the following cost-optimization roadmap:
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Start with one core SKU: Avoid launching 5–10 beers at once. Choose a best-seller (often an easy-drinking Lager or Wheat Beer) to build your customer base.
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Use standard packaging: Opt for standard 330ml cans to leverage existing materials and reduce lead time and customization costs.
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Focus on label design: Instead of direct can printing (which requires very high MOQs), use adhesive labels or shrink sleeves to enable smaller production runs while maintaining aesthetics.
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Plan long-term production: Annual framework agreements allow the factory to secure raw materials in advance and offer more competitive pricing than sporadic monthly orders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beer Contract Manufacturing
To provide the clearest understanding of beer contract manufacturing services, we’ve compiled the most common questions:
1. Does SMB produce craft beer under contract manufacturing?
Answer: Yes. Although we operate on an industrial scale, our flexible equipment and advanced R&D lab enable us to produce complex styles such as IPA, Stout, fruit beer, and more—at industrial quality standards.
2. Do I own the recipe after contract manufacturing?
Answer: This depends on the contract. Under the OEM model (you provide the recipe), the formula remains entirely yours. Under ODM, intellectual property rights are defined by mutual agreement for jointly developed recipes.
3. Does SMB support beer exports?
Answer: Absolutely. We have extensive experience with quality documentation, inspections, and export-compliant packaging. Our FSSC 22000 certification is a powerful “passport” for international markets.
4. How long does it take from contract signing to finished beer?
Answer: Typically 6–10 weeks for the first order (including R&D, sample approval, and packaging). Repeat orders are much faster—usually 2–4 weeks.
5. Can I produce private-label beer for my restaurant chain in small quantities?
Answer: Yes. SMB offers flexible solutions for F&B chains, including order consolidation or the use of standard base beers to optimize MOQ. Contact us for tailored advice.
The aspiration to bring Vietnamese beer brands to the global stage together with Bia Sài Gòn – Miền Trung (SMB) as a strategic partner.
Let SMB Be the Launchpad for Your Brand
Vietnam’s beverage industry is entering a “golden” phase, with strong purchasing power and consumers increasingly open to new brands. Beer contract manufacturing is the key that allows you to enter this market in a safe, professional, and highly efficient way.
At Saigon Beer – Central Vietnam (SMB), we don’t just provide machinery or production labor. We deliver dedication, expertise, and a comprehensive support ecosystem to transform your idea into a vibrant beer brand with real market strength.
Don’t let factory-related barriers stand in the way of your business dream.
CONTACT US FOR CONSULTATION AND START YOUR PROJECT TODAY
Do you need an optimal beer contract manufacturing solution?
Would you like a detailed quotation for your own beer line?
Our team of experts is always ready to listen and accompany you.
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) 94 112 7575
Dedicated Email: oem@biasaigonmt.com
Official Website: https://oem.biasaigonmt.com/