Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
HiteJinro begins making Kirin Ichiban beer in South Korea
South Korean brewer HiteJinro has begun making Kirin Ichiban canned beer in Jeonju, South Korea, under a deal with Japan’s Kirin Brewery.
The first locally made cans entered distribution in the first week of October, with an initial production run of 1.5 million litres.
The companies agreed in July to share production technology, and Kirin’s methods and quality standards are being used in South Korea.
Kirin supplies the yeast, while other ingredients must meet its specified standards.
HiteJinro aims to produce 75% of the Kirin Ichiban sold in South Korea by next year.
The move comes as demand for Japanese beer in South Korea has grown, and the companies say local production should help keep supplies steady and shorten transport times by more than a month.
For now, HiteJinro plans to focus on stabilising canned-beer production; talks about other products or joint development may follow later.
HiteJinro has begun producing Kirin Ichiban Shibori canned beer at its brewery in Jeonju, South Korea.
The companies say the local production is intended to improve supply stability as demand for Japanese beer grows.
HiteJinro set an initial production target of 1.5 million litres and aims to make 75% of the beer it sells in South Korea locally next year.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in July and exchanged production technology for more than a year.
Reports differ on whether Korean-made beer had already begun distribution in early October or would enter distribution as Japanese-made stocks ran out.
- Who
- HiteJinro and Japan’s Kirin Brewery.
- What
- HiteJinro has begun licensed production of Kirin Ichiban Shibori canned beer in South Korea.
- When
- Production began in early October 2026; the companies signed an MOU in July.
- Where
- HiteJinro’s Jeonju brewery in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.
- Why
- To meet growing demand and improve supply stability by shortening delivery times and reducing exposure to external risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This technical agreement is not simply a transfer of the production site, but the beginning of a strategic partnership.
We decided on domestic production with a focus on securing stable volumes rather than profitability.
We will maintain our cooperative relationship for a longer time as strategic partners working together on domestic production, based on the trust built over more than 20 years.
HiteJinro first introduced Kirin Ichiban Shibori bottled beer in South Korea.
HiteJinro signed an exclusive import and sales contract with Kirin.
The companies signed an MOU for technical cooperation.
HiteJinro held a press conference in Yongin to announce domestic production.
HiteJinro began producing the beer at its Jeonju brewery; reports differ on when Korean-made stock began distribution.
- Production site
- HiteJinro’s Jeonju brewery, North Jeolla Province
- Initial production target
- 1.5 million litres
- Local production goal
- 75% of South Korean sales next year
- Target product
- Kirin Ichiban Shibori canned beer
- Delivery time
- Reduced from about a month and a half to 1–2 weeks, according to Hankyung
Sources
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