Lager beer accounts for over 90% of global consumption. For logistics professionals, fleet managers, and import partners, this translates to the single largest and most consistent beverage category for international road and sea freight. The reason for this dominance is not just taste; it is product stability. Lager's robust nature makes it ideal for large-scale production and, crucially, long-distance shipping.

This article will analyze the production and standards that make lager a reliable commodity for B2B supply chains, including what is lager beer from a logistical standpoint, and how A&B Vietnam manages its export supply chain to over 70 countries.

What is lager beer? A technical overview for logistics partners

Lager beer is a type of beer produced using the bottom-fermenting method with the specific yeast strain Saccharomyces pastorianus. This process requires strict temperature control, with primary fermentation occurring at low temperatures, typically 7°C to 13°C.

Most importantly for the supply chain, after fermentation, lager must undergo a cold conditioning period known as "lagering" (from the German word lagern, meaning "to store"). This process lasts from 4 to 8 weeks at temperatures near 0°C.

This cold lagering phase is what creates a product built for export. It allows the yeast to settle completely, removes volatile compounds, and stabilizes the flavor. The result is a beer that is characteristically clear, crisp, and highly stable, making it resilient to the rigors of international transport.

Logistical differences Lager vs Ale

To understand transport strategy, an importer must distinguish lager from the other major beer category, ale. The fundamental differences in yeast and temperature directly impact supply chain viability and target markets.

Ale's complexity appeals to niche markets, but lager's stability and scalability make it the primary product for high-volume, global logistics chains.

Key lager styles in the international supply chain

For transport and import partners, lager is not one single product. Different styles represent different SKUs, packaging configurations, and market segments. A&B Vietnam manages the large-scale production and export of all high-demand styles.

Pale lager

This is the core SKU. It is the highest-volume product in the beverage logistics network, characterized by its signature pale straw color and a light, clean taste. This product accounts for the majority of A&B Vietnam’s high-volume export orders and is ideally suited for hot climates.

Pilsner

A premium SKU. This style serves a higher-value consumer segment, notable for its bright golden color and distinct hop aroma. Our R&D capabilities allow us to develop OEM Pilsner recipes using specific hop varieties as requested by import partners.

Dark lager

A portfolio diversification SKU. This style uses roasted malts for a dark brown color but retains the signature lager stability. It is an excellent choice for importers looking to appeal to temperate or cold climates.

Bock and doppelbock

Specialty and seasonal SKUs. These are strong, full-bodied lagers with a very rich malt flavor. These styles are suitable for niche markets or as premium seasonal products, all of which A&B Vietnam can produce for OEM batch orders.

Non alcoholic lager

A critical growth SKU. This is one of the fastest-growing segments, essential for market access. This style opens up a vast customer base, including those in Islamic markets. A&B Vietnam’s ability to produce HALAL certified non-alcoholic beer is a significant competitive advantage for importers targeting these regions.

The industrial production and logistics process

A supplier's production process is key to a logistics partner's success. At A&B Vietnam, lager quality is ensured by a strict 6-step industrial process at our 40,000m² factory, designed for export reliability.

1. Mashing: Malt and grains are milled and mixed with hot water to convert starches into sugars (wort).

2. Lautering: The wort (sugar liquid) is separated from the grain solids.

3. Boiling: The wort is boiled with hops to sterilize the liquid and extract bitterness and aroma.

4. Fermentation: The wort is chilled (7°C to 13°C) and Saccharomyces pastorianus yeast is added to slowly convert sugars into alcohol.

5. Lagering: This is the crucial step for export. The young beer is transferred to conditioning tanks and cold-stored (near 0°C) for several weeks. This stabilizes the flavor and creates its characteristic clarity.

6. Filtration and packaging: The finished beer is filtered, carbonated, and fed into an automated packaging line (cans, bottles, or kegs), ready for efficient palletizing and container loading.

Why A&B Vietnam is a strategic logistics partner ?

For transport companies and importers, choosing a producer is about reliability, compliance, and operational capacity. A&B Vietnam, with export experience since 1990, is a strategic partner built to meet these demanding requirements.

• Strict global standards compliance: We manage the technical barriers for you. A&B Vietnam’s factory holds all mandatory international certifications, including ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA (US market), and HALAL. This ensures your cargo is compliant and avoids costly customs delays.

• Flexible R&D and OEM/ODM capabilities: We do not just offer existing beer brands. A&B Vietnam’s expert R&D team is ready to co-develop private label lager beer formulas based on a partner’s requirements.

• Proven stable supply and logistics: This is our core promise to fleet and freight partners. With experience managing over 1,500+ containers per month, we guarantee a stable, high-volume supply of cargo. A&B Vietnam has deep expertise in complex customs and logistics procedures, ensuring product integrity during long-distance shipping.

• Versatile B2B packaging solutions: We offer professional packaging solutions suitable for all distribution channels, including cans (in popular volumes like 250ml, 330ml, and 500ml) designed for efficient loading.

A&B Vietnam is always seeking strategic distributors, importers, and logistics partners worldwide. Contact us today to receive detailed consultation on OEM solutions, a price quote for lager beer, and information on our market development support policies.

A&B Vietnam