Vinamilk: Top Sustainability Advocate in Asia’s Dairy Industry
Founded in 1976, the Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company—commonly known as Vinamilk—has grown into the largest dairy company in Vietnam and a powerful force in the global dairy industry. With a reputation for ethical governance, quality nutrition, and sustainability-driven innovation, Vinamilk now distributes over 250 dairy and nutritional product SKUs across 56 countries and regions. This includes fresh milk, baby food, nutritional supplements, plant-based beverages, and more, solidifying its position as a top sustainability advocate in the Asian dairy sector.
Global Recognition and Corporate Growth
Vinamilk went public on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange in 2006 and has since evolved into one of Vietnam’s most valuable brands, with a market capitalization of approximately USD 8.2 billion. In 2017, it became the first Vietnamese fast-moving consumer goods company listed on Forbes’ Global 2000. By 2021, it ranked 36th in Plimsoll’s Top 50 Global Dairy Producers by sales revenue—the only Southeast Asian company on the list—and was named one of the world’s top 10 most valuable dairy brands by Brand Finance. These milestones reflect Vinamilk’s growth as a sustainability-driven industry leader.
Sustainability at the Core of Business Strategy
Vinamilk’s sustainability framework is centered on three strategic pillars: nature, people, and products. Under the guidance of the CEO and Board of Directors, the company’s Sustainability Development Council drives initiatives aligned with global ESG standards. As part of the Sustainable Development Framework for the Global Dairy Industry (DSF), Vinamilk addresses four core areas: environment, society, economy, and industry standards—further divided into six material issues: product safety, workplace well-being, local economic development, emission reduction, waste management, and animal welfare.
Environmental Innovation and Green Operations
Vinamilk integrates green energy solutions across its entire value chain. Nine of its plants operate on green steam systems, while solar panels power both factories and farms. With an ISO 50001-certified energy management system, the company has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 84 tons annually. Vinamilk has also adopted circular economy principles by optimizing resource use, reducing plastic consumption, and managing wastewater responsibly—ensuring 100% of effluents meet environmental standards prior to discharge. The company’s farms are chemical fertilizer-free and promote humane livestock treatment, aligning dairy production with environmental conservation goals.
Workplace Excellence and Employee Empowerment
With a workforce of nearly 8,000, Vinamilk is committed to fostering a high-performance culture. In 2021, the company recorded an employee satisfaction rate of 88.4%, supported by regular performance evaluations and continuous upskilling. Training initiatives ensure staff remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Recognized as one of Vietnam’s Most Attractive Employers by Career Builder and Anphabe, Vinamilk’s workplace culture reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable human capital development.
Community Development and Corporate Social Responsibility
Vinamilk prioritizes social responsibility as a cornerstone of its operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company contributed over VND 100 billion in nutritional products, vaccines, and support to frontline workers and vulnerable communities. Its long-term CSR initiatives, including the Stand Tall Vietnam Milk Fund, have delivered over 37 million glasses of milk to 460,000 underprivileged children.
The School Milk Program, now in its 15th year, has supported 3.3 million schoolchildren across Vietnam with subsidized high-quality milk. Vinamilk fully covers costs for disadvantaged families, improving children’s health and school attendance. The One Million Trees for Vietnam Fund has planted over 1.2 million trees across 20 provinces, improving local ecosystems and supporting ethnic minority communities. Collaborations with UNICEF and WWF are underway to expand environmental education and sustainable development outreach to remote areas.
Ethical Governance and Sustainability Leadership in Asia
Vinamilk’s transparent and values-based governance model upholds ethical business practices at all levels. Its sustainability initiatives and responsible leadership have earned it the title of Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia by the ACES Awards. The company’s ability to combine profitability with environmental and social stewardship makes it a standout role model among Asian businesses.
Even amid global uncertainty, Vinamilk continues to nourish millions with products made with respect, love, and responsibility. By embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations—from energy systems to child nutrition—the company reaffirms its place as one of Asia’s most trusted and sustainable dairy producers.
As Shanggari Balakrishnan, CEO of MORS Group, aptly puts it, Despite a year full of turbulence, Vinamilk was never deterred from its dedication to bettering the lives of the local community. The leading dairy company reinforces community focus as a sound business decision and not just a moral obligation, and that in itself serves as a beacon of inspiration.
