Japan & Brazil: Kirin to brew its popular Ichiban Shibori beer in Brazil

Kirin Brewery Co. plans to produce its popular “Ichiban Shibori” draft beer in Brazil, informed sources were quoted as saying by Jiji Press on December 24.

Brasil Kirin, based in Itu in the state of Sao Paulo, will make the product, the sources said. Kirin Holdings Co., the parent of the Japanese brewer, acquired Schincariol Participacoes e Representacoes SA in 2011 and renamed the Brazilian firm Brasil Kirin.

Brazil is the third-largest beer market following China and the United States. Beer consumption in the South American country is more than double that in Japan, where demand has been sluggish.

Kirin Brewery decided to begin Ichiban Shibori production in Brazil as beer sales are expected to increase on the back of its rapid economic growth.

“We hope to nurture Brazil into the second-largest market for Ichiban Shibori after the United States,” a Kirin Brewery spokesman said.

27 December, 2013