Heineken has announced that the Singapore unit of its Asia Pacific Breweries subsidiary will move to “an import-led supply model”, with its production facility – and source of the Tiger Beer brand – in the city-state set to wind down its brewing capabilities.
The brewery will be “phased down progressively” by the end of next year, Heineken said today (24 March). While Tiger will be imported from the group’s existing facilities in neighbouring Malaysia and Vietnam, Heineken was at pains to point out that Singapore will continue to be the “global home” of the brand, as well as its regional headquarters for Asia Pacific.
While Heineken plans to wind down “large-scale” production at the Tuas brewery, the site will become home to a ‘pilot’ brewery for innovation. The remainder of the space will be “redeveloped to support regional logistics”.
“Singapore will remain the global home of Tiger Beer, with the brand’s global leadership anchored in Singapore – setting strategy, shaping creativity and guiding direction and R&D that support the brand worldwide,” the company said. “Singapore will also continue to play a pivotal role within Heineken’s Asia Pacific network by driving brand building, commercial excellence and innovation.”
Heineken acquired outright control of Asia Pacific Breweries from its joint-venture partner, Singaporean conglomerate Fraser & Neave, after a protracted takeover battle with ThaiBev. The Amsterdam-headquartered company had run APB with F&N since 1931.
Tiger debuted as Singapore’s first locally-brewed beer a year later.
In mid-February, Heineken clarified plans to review its global headcount. At the same time as announcing a 1.6% year-on-year rise in sales from 2025, the group said a reduction of 5,000 to 6,000 roles was expected as part of its ‘Evergreen 2030’ strategy over the next five years.
