A 25-year partnership between HEINEKEN Cambodia and Cambodia’s domestic transport and logistics solutions supplier, Geolink Logistics, was part of a huge transformation of Cambodia’s logistics industry, setting new standards for efficiency, safety and sustainability within the logistics landscape in Cambodia.
The partnership emerged at a time when the logistics structure in Cambodia was limited. Back then, beer distribution was an inconsistent process, which distributors, including agents and depots needed to collect products themselves, often leading to territorial conflicts and price inconsistencies.
Recognising the need for a fair and efficient solution, HEINEKEN Cambodia and Geolink pioneered a new model that streamlined beer distribution, to secure more reliable delivery across the country.
“Together, HEINEKEN Cambodia and Geolink have transformed the logistics sector,” said Geolink Group’s Chairman and CEO, Okhna Van Kimchhan. “The journey was not easy at first—we had to engage depots and outlets to demonstrate the benefits of a safe and sustainable distribution network. However, through collaboration and perseverance, we successfully built a system that works and has fuelled the growth of both our businesses.”
From its humble beginnings with 39 employees, Geolink has grown into a leading logistics provider with a workforce of 459 employees, which is largely fuelled by the partnership with HEINEKEN Cambodia.
Driving Safety & Innovation in Logistics
“Our long-term partnership with Geolink demonstrates how working with HEINEKEN Cambodia creates lasting, mutually beneficial value for the industry, the economy and our partners,” said HEINEKEN Cambodia Managing Director Andy Hewson. “We deeply appreciate Geolink’s ongoing support across our operations, and their continuous development and innovation for safety and efficiency.”
The partnership has been instrumental to the modernisation of transportation at Geolink; now having a standardisation of truck sizes, shifting from smaller trucks with capacities of 1.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes to modernised trucks with capacities of 19 Tonnes, 35 Tonnes and up to 40 tonnes. Geolink has also introduced wing-body trucks which transitioned from manual loading and unloading — where employees physically lifted each carton — to a modernised system using forklifts, significantly improving safety and efficiency, ensuring speed and employee’s safety.
At HEINEKEN Cambodia, safety is a non-negotiable priority, guided by its Life-Saving Rules, which extend to its partners. Geolink has implemented a comprehensive Road Transport Safety Management System (RTSMS) to prevent accidents and ensure compliance.
Geolink has strengthened its driver training and selection programme, incorporating comprehensive road safety guidelines that cover recruitment, training, physical and mental fitness assessments, and stricter alcohol and drug testing. Additionally, the company has introduced the "Glass Run" system — a GPS-integrated digital platform that enables real-time delivery monitoring, ensuring on-time performance and full operational transparency.
Reflecting on the changes, Mr. Bun Samnang, Geolink Operations Manager, shared, “Before, we had to manually load and unload cartons, which was physically exhausting and sometimes unsafe. Now, with forklifts and modern trucks, our work is much easier and safer.”
Driving Sustainability Forward
Though rooted locally, Geolink upholds international standards and values, with sustainability at the core of its operations. This shared commitment has further strengthened its long-standing partnership with HEINEKEN Cambodia.
A key milestone in this collaboration is the Returnable Glass Bottle (RGB) initiative, designed to promote circularity and reduce waste, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility. While initial adoption required convincing partners of its benefits, Geolink fully embraced the programme. When HEINEKEN Cambodia launched its glass bottle return scheme in 2023, the company entrusted Geolink with managing the entire process. Mr. Leng Chamnan, Geolink Managing Director, shared that “Since then, over 1,800 bars and restaurants have joined the initiative, and today, Geolink ensures the efficient collection, pre-cleaning and safe return of empty bottles to HEINEKEN Cambodia for reuse”.
About HEINEKEN Cambodia
HEINEKEN, the world’s most international brewer, has been a leading brewer and investor in Cambodia since 1994. With a purpose to brew the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world, HEINEKEN Cambodia’s portfolio of world-class brands includes Heineken®, Tiger, ABC, Anchor and Gold Crown. The company directly employs about 700 people and supports 66,000 jobs across the value chain. Through the Brew a Better Cambodia strategy, HEINEKEN Cambodia is committed to environmental and social sustainability, as well as responsible consumption. Discover more at heinekencambodia.com
About Geolink
For nearly three decades, Geolink Logistics has been a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of Cambodia’s evolving market. Our expertise and reliability have earned us the confidence of world-class brands such as HEINEKEN Cambodia, Chevron, Total Energy, DKSH Coca-Cola and others — each demanding on-time, secure and professional execution. With a robust fleet of intermodal trucks and strategically located logistics hubs, we are well-equipped to deliver customised solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses operating in Cambodia.
