What is Anchor Beer? A Look at Cambodia’s Brewing Landscape

Anchor Beer is one of the well-known beers in Cambodia, but it doesn’t necessarily hold the top spot in the market. While it enjoys a solid fan base, it competes with several other beer brands, both local and international, for the attention of Cambodia’s beer drinkers.

In this article, we’ll look at what Anchor Beer is, its competition, how it’s sold in Cambodia, and its place within the country’s beer scene.

A Brief History of Anchor Beer

Anchor Beer first arrived in Cambodia in 1991 through Cambodia Brewery Limited, which is also behind other popular beers such as Angkor Beer and Cambodia Beer. The company aimed to offer a smooth, easy-to-drink lager suitable for Cambodia’s hot climate. Anchor Beer quickly found its place in the market, thanks to its affordable pricing and refreshingly light taste.

While it didn’t immediately dominate the scene, Anchor Beer steadily grew in popularity. It is now widely available throughout Cambodia, in everything from local beer gardens to high-end restaurants. The introduction of variations like Anchor Draft and Anchor Strong has allowed the brand to cater to different preferences, keeping its appeal fresh.

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Anchor Beer
Photo: Anchor Beer (Cambodia0

Anchor Beer’s Position in Cambodia’s Market

In terms of market share, Anchor Beer is up against some stiff competition. Angkor Beer and Cambodia Beer, both brewed locally, are far more popular and have a stronger foothold in the Cambodian market. Angkor Beer, in particular, is often regarded as Cambodia’s most iconic beer, widely available and heavily marketed, both locally and internationally. Cambodia Beer, which was introduced later, also enjoys widespread recognition and has been one of the leading brands in the market.

Despite these challenges, Anchor Beer has maintained a loyal customer base, especially among budget-conscious beer drinkers. Its ability to offer a reliable, affordable product makes it a go-to choice for many Cambodians. The cost of Anchor Beer typically ranges from $1.00 to $1.50 USD for a 330ml bottle in most bars and restaurants, which is consistent with many other local beers, making it a competitive option in terms of price.

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Anchor Beer

Rival Brands and Their Impact

Anchor faces intense competition from a few key brands in Cambodia. The top three contenders are Angkor Beer, Cambodia Beer, and Heineken, which, despite being a global brand, has made significant inroads into the Cambodian market.

Angkor Beer, brewed by the Cambodia Brewery Limited (the same company behind Anchor), is by far the most popular beer in the country. It is often regarded as a symbol of Cambodia and has a strong association with national pride. Its dominance in the local market means that Anchor Beer, while popular, plays second fiddle to Angkor.

Cambodia Beer is another major local competitor, produced by Cambodia Brewery Limited as well. Known for its crisp flavor and wide availability, it also has a loyal following, particularly among Cambodians who prefer a slightly less bitter taste than Angkor.

On the international side, Heineken and other imported beers like Tiger Beer and Budweiser have grown in popularity, especially in urban areas and among tourists. These beers tend to be slightly more expensive than the local offerings, but their international recognition helps them maintain a place in the Cambodian beer market.

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Gareth Johnson
Author: Gareth Johnson

Gareth Johnson is the founder of Young Pioneer Tours and has visited over 180+ countries. His passion is opening obscure destinations to tourism and sharing his experience of street food.