Laos’ favourite beer adopts global standards in nutrition labelling

New label created based on independent test results from the United Kingdom

Since its humble beginnings in 1973, Beerlao has grown from strength to strength to become the award-winning Number 1 beer in Laos today. Not inclined to rest on its laurels, the Lao Brewery Company has raised the bar further by leading the way in adopting global standards for Beerlao’s nutrition labelling.
Recently, samples of Beerlao were sent to “Campden BRI Food and drinks Innovation” a leading independent food and drink testing laboratory in the United Kingdom, which is accredited by the nationallevel United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for its world-class testing standards.

The label that is now attached to all bottles ofBeerlao, providing nutrition information.

From these test results, Beerlao has created a nutrition table in accordance with international standards, proudly displayed on all its beers. Consumers can see the table, which indicates the content of energy, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, protein and salt in Beerlao, on all new Beerlao cans and bottles – part of a new label design launched on 15 December 2020.
Mr Henrik J. Andersen, Managing Director, Lao Brewery Company, said, “As a brand closely linked with Lao culture and the Lao people, we want to use our position as the leading beverage company in Laos to further elevate industry standards in nutrition transparency and information. By introducing nutrition labelling, we want to support eff orts to consume healthy, balanced diets. At the same time, by taking this ground-breaking step, we hope to also create a new momentum among food and drink manufacturers in Laos to join us in helping consumers make the best choices for their nutritional needs, with better labelling.”
Suitable for balanced lifestyles
Test results from the London-based lab, Campden  BRI found that the nutrition per 100ml of Beerlao Lager only contains only 40Kcal, while Beerlao Dark contains only 50Kcal, Beerlao White contains only 41Kcal, Beerlao Gold contains only 40Kcal and with all variants having no sugar content.
“While it is good that many people want to be healthy, sometimes misunderstandings can lead consumers to mistakenly avoid a commonly consumed food or drink unnecessarily. We are pleased that independent testing has proven that Beerlao does not contain sugar, despite some consumers believing this. Beerlao and its use of Lao rice to produce the best lager beers in Laos that have been recognised regionally and internationally with numerous awards over the years, is a national pride and identity, so we certainly welcome the results that show it is suitable even for the health conscious,” added Mr Andersen.
A new perspective
The new nutrition label generated positive feedback from many beer drinkers, including Mr  Saysongkharm Vorachit “I’m happy to see that Beerlao has launched a new label to provide consumers with nutrition information. This clear information will help consumers better understand what they are about to drink. For me, Beerlao has long been a must-have drink during social activities, but I became concerned about the amount I’ve been drinking due to rumours that it contains sugar and can lead to weight gain or even diseases like diabetes. I’m definitely glad that Beerlao actually does not contain sugar. Like all good things, I will consume it moderately with confidence to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” Mr Saysongkharm Vorachit commented.
D r S o m t h a v y Changvisommid, Director General of Food and Drug Department, Ministry of
Health of Lao PDR said, “It is good that Beerlao has introduced a nutrition table on its new label which complied with food and drink labelling regulation and has been certified by Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Health No. 9286 issued date: 04 NOV 2020, this shows as good example for many businesses to study and implement to upgrade lao product to international standards. I encourage the people of Laos to learn about nutrition and calorie content. As long as we consume in moderation, we do not need to fear the food and drinks that we love,” he said.
 Indeed, scientific studies have shown that moderate consumption of beer can have various health benefits, as it is full of nutrients like antioxidants, protein, vitamin B, iron, calcium and phosphates, and even the flavonoid xanthohumol that can help improve cognitive function, compared to other alcoholic drinks.
An integral part of life
Beerlao has been at the centre of the Lao people’s way of life, culture and tradition for almost 47 years, bringing people together, breaking down barriers and helping us bond with each other. It is present at significant occasions as well as at everyday yet meaningful and cherished moments that we share with family and friends. The crisp, distinctive flavour of Beerlao and its smooth and easy drinking profile makes the beer an ideal accompaniment for Lao food, whether you pair Beerlao Lager with grilled, spicy foods or Beerlao Dark with spicy meats and steak.
Let’s stay healthy with a balanced lifestyle.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update January 13, 2021)