Longkou brewery makes global debut with beer shipment to Cuba

Longkou Customs supports a local brewery's first venture into the international market. [Photo by Yi Yanyang/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Lao Donglai, a brewery based in Longkou, Yantai, East China's Shandong province, has achieved a significant milestone by exporting 52 metric tons of craft beer to Cuba. This marks the brewery's first foray into the international market.

Established in March 2024, Lao Donglai focuses on craft beer production and recently revised its sales strategy to expand into global markets while continuing to meet domestic demand.

Longkou Customs provided comprehensive support to facilitate the brewery's entry into the international arena. Officials helped establish a robust quality management system and offered detailed guidance on customs clearance, origin rules, and export market regulations. Acknowledging the short shelf life of the product, they streamlined key procedures to ensure timely delivery.

"Being new to exports, we were unfamiliar with the process," said Li Guodong, the brewery's general manager. "Longkou Customs supported us at every stage, from raw material sourcing to production and inspection, while also helping us meet international packaging and regulatory requirements. Their guidance was instrumental in this successful launch."

This initial success has boosted the brewery's confidence in expanding overseas. Discussions are already underway with potential clients in Singapore and the Philippines, with export volumes projected to exceed 100 tons by year's end.

"We will continue to support the export of signature products like craft beer," said a Longkou Customs representative. "By offering focused guidance and leveraging fast-track inspection and clearance systems, we aim to help local businesses secure orders and grow their international presence."

The shipment underscores Longkou's increasing role in promoting regional products on the global stage and highlights the potential of local industries to thrive in international markets. (Edited by Hu Kaili)