Tiger Beer to cease brewing operations in Singapore by 2027

Singapore’s homegrown beer icon Tiger Beer is set to end large-scale brewing at its Tuas brewery by the end of 2027, marking the close of 95 years of local production. 

Following the closure, approximately 130 roles may be affected, with severance, reskilling, and career support coordinated with the Food and Drink Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) and NTUC’s e2i, according to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. 

Looking ahead, HEINEKEN’s Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) will move to an import-based supply model, with production shifting to regional hubs in Malaysia and Vietnam.

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Beyond brewing, APBS plans to repurpose the Tuas site for regional logistics and innovation, including a pilot brewery. Singapore will also host HEINEKEN’s GenAI Lab, supporting productivity and decision-making across the region.

Since its 1932 founding, Tiger Beer has grown into one of Asia’s most recognisable global brands. According to APBS, more than 95% of its volume is sold outside Singapore today, across over 60 markets. The brand has also boosted its global profile through official partnerships with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, cementing its international reach while keeping strategic leadership rooted in Singapore.

“For generations, our Tuas brewery has contributed to Singapore’s brewing heritage, and we recognise the colleagues who have built that legacy. As we position the business for the next decade, we will further build Singapore-based capabilities in GenAI, brand leadership and innovation, alongside stronger regional commercial and logistics support," said Kenneth Choo, managing director, HEINEKEN APAC. 

He added, "We recognise this is a difficult transition, and we are committed to supporting impacted colleagues with fairness, dignity and respect. Singapore will remain the home of Tiger Beer, and we will continue to invest in its future.”

On the job impact, Sankaradass Chami, FDAWU general secretary said, "FDAWU recognises that the shift in its business model is a difficult decision as it affects its employees. We appreciate that APBS engaged the union in advance and worked together with us to work through our support for affected employees."

"Through close union-management engagement, we have worked to ensure that affected employees are treated fairly with negotiated severance packages and are supported responsibly, including access to the necessary employment and career support as they move forward," he added. 

The Tuas brewery phase-out comes as Tiger Beer continues to engage Singaporeans with localised experiences. Earlier this year, the brand rolled out its first-ever Chinese New Year lion dance troupe, the 'Huat squad', alongside digital greeting videos to spread festive cheer across the island.

The troupe featured five lions representing the five blessings Singaporeans wish for—longevity, wealth, health, kindness and peace—and made appearances at six roadshows from 30 January to 15 February, bringing traditional sights and sounds to supermarkets and neighbourhood kopitiams. Complementing the in-person activations, Tiger launched the digital “Send the Huat” experience, allowing festive greetings to double as prize-winning opportunities, extending the celebration beyond physical events.

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