Number 1 – The first Vietnamese energy drink brand to use no preservatives

Number 1 energy drink is produced on an Aseptic cold-fill sterile technology line, a technology considered one of the breakthroughs of the twenty-first century.

A small bottle with giant technology behind it

More than two decades after its launch, Number 1 has become a favorite energy drink for generations of Vietnamese consumers across both urban and rural areas. It has been a companion to farmers working under the harsh sun, a boost for factory workers on overtime shifts, and a source of alertness and endurance for office employees racing to meet deadlines.

To produce a bottle of Number 1 sold for 10,000 VND, Tan Hiep Phat invested 300 million USD nearly twenty years ago in GEA’s Aseptic cold-fill sterile technology system. Along with persistent product development and improvements to meet consumer needs, Aseptic technology, considered a breakthrough of the 21st century, has helped Number 1 become a daily choice for millions seeking the energy to become better versions of themselves.

“Technology creates unique value for each product. In some countries, consumers are willing to pay up to 10 percent more for products made on Aseptic lines,” a representative of Tan Hiep Phat said.

Aseptic cold-fill technology helps Number 1 energy drink preserve its full flavor and nutrients.

GEA is a global developer and provider of technological and processing solutions for the food industry and several other sectors, with 17,000 employees worldwide. Statistics show that one quarter of the world’s dairy products are produced using GEA technology, one third of all instant coffee production lines are provided by GEA, and one out of every three portions of fried chicken nuggets is processed using GEA equipment.

Aseptic cold-fill technology, recognized as a groundbreaking invention of the 21st century, enhances product quality for drinks like Number 1 by reducing contamination risks. It sterilizes both the beverage and the packaging before filling in a sterile environment. “Its breakthrough lies not only in UHT sterilization of the product, but also in the sterile conditions maintained during filling and capping, using sterilized bottles, caps, water, product, and filling environment,” said Vincent Mauer, General Director of GEA Vietnam and the Philippines, at a conference on Net-Zero strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the food industry.

According to him, “This method preserves nutrients and flavor better than traditional pasteurization, which can degrade nutrients and alter taste. It also extends shelf life without the need for preservatives, ensuring stable quality that meets consumer preferences.” Thanks to Aseptic cold-fill technology, Number 1 became the first Vietnamese energy drink brand to use no preservatives while retaining maximum nutrients that deliver instant energy, reduce fatigue, and enhance focus, helping each person push forward in work, passion, and everyday life.

Seventh-generation Aseptic cold-fill technology helps the Number 1 energy drink production line cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing plastic use and saving water.

Continuous innovation for sustainable development

Over nearly twenty years of partnership, GEA and Tan Hiep Phat have consistently developed new values in the beverage industry to serve consumers and society. A central focus has been improving Aseptic technology to make production and products greener. “GEA places strong emphasis on reducing PET plastic use. This is the biggest difference,” Mauer said.

At Tan Hiep Phat’s plant, PET bottles like those used for Number 1 have been reduced in weight by up to 50 percent, from 27 grams to 13.5 grams, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent per bottle. Each seventh-generation Aseptic line reduces water consumption by up to 91 percent, saving 97,500 cubic meters of water per year, equivalent to the annual water usage of 2,100 people.

“This allows Tan Hiep Phat to achieve its sustainability goals,” Mauer said. He added that the upcoming eighth generation of Aseptic cold-fill technology will include important advancements to meet greener and cleaner production requirements. GEA is committed to continuously lowering carbon emissions and driving innovations that reduce resource consumption.

Aseptic cold-fill technology has brought a turning point to Vietnam’s beverage industry, especially in producing healthier drinks. Number 1 is a prime example. Not only does it contain no preservatives, it has also met US FDA standards since 2017.

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