Brewers from Vietnam and Cambodia gathered recently for a technical roadshow hosted by Ho Chi Minh City based raw ingredients distributor HMG and their partners Barth Haas, Castle Malting and WHC Labs.
The roadshow brought together the craft brewers from the two neighbouring countries for a full day of in-depth technical presentations, sensory sessions, and collaborative discussions, aimed at growing ties between the two brewing communities while helping connect them more closely with the ingredients suppliers.
“We intended for the day to bridge the gap between global brewing ingredients and the innovative spirit of local brewers” said Ms Nhung Nguyen, Sales Manager for HMG.
The main event of the gathering was a full day of in-depth presentations and sensory sessions aimed at enhancing the brewing skills of those present. Representatives from the partner companies shared their expertise across the core ingredients of malt, hops and yeast.
BarthHaas provided a deep dive into hop innovations, exploring new varietals and advanced products designed to help brewers achieve consistent aromas and greater efficiency.
Castle Malting showcased their extensive range of traditional and specialty malts, offering insights into how malt selection builds body and flavor, with specific attention paid to the technical requirements of non/low alcohol beer.
Meanwhile, WHC Labs focused on brewing efficiency through smart strain selection, discussing best practices for yeast management and quality control to develop unique flavor profiles.
During the day global raw ingredients suppliers shares information & techniques on the best use of thier products [Photo: Asia Brewers Network]
A Cross-Border Community
This gathering provided a rare platform for these neighboring communities to network, fostering a stronger sense of regional unity while allowing everyone to share experiences and troubleshoot challenges directly with the international suppliers.
Reflecting on the strong attendance Marco Günther, Owner and head brewer at Phnom Penh’s Botanico, noted “We are thrilled with the incredible turnout and the high level of engagement from the brewing community”.
Ms Nhi Mai, Lead Brewer from Vietnam’s East West Brewing Company, emphasized the value of this direct support from the suppliers: “we hope that the craft brewing community and our businesses can grow, receiving more support from our suppliers can help keep our costs manageable and help our overall efficiency”.
Brewers travelled from Cambodia to join their Vietnam counterparts for the gathering [Photo: HMG]
Unveiling the HMB Pilot Brewery
Adding a major highlight to the event, HMG officially unveiled the new HMB Pilot Brewery. The launch ceremony was conducted after the technical roadshow had concluded with the suppliers and brewers enjoying the hospitality of the occation. Commenting on the significance of the gathering for the brewery opening: “This symbolizes a shared commitment to the future of Southeast Asian craft brewing.
The new facility will serve as a dedicated space for experimentation, training, and recipe development, further strengthening HMG’s role as a premium channel partner in the region for major global beer industry suppliers.
Following the success of this year’s gathering, HMG are already looking forward to hosting another Technical Roadshow in 2026 and partnering with brewers and suppliers across Vietnam and Cambodia to help support the growth of the region’s brewing industry.
Staff from HMG and their partner supply companies celebrate the launch of HMB pilot brewery [Photo: HMG]
Source: Asia Brewers Network
