Overview: Japanese brewer Kirin Brewery Company has initiated local production of its Kirin Ichiban beer in South Korea through a strategic partnership with HiteJinro. Production commenced at the Jeonju Brewery in early October 2026, marking the first instance where a South Korean company manufactures a Japanese beer brand domestically.
The Full Story
The technical partnership was formalized in July, allowing Kirin to provide proprietary brewing technology and yeast to HiteJinro. Japanese engineers collaborated with the South Korean partner for over a year to align the Jeonju facility with Kirin’s quality standards. This transition shifts beer sold in South Korea from imports to locally brewed products, aiming to manufacture 75% of the brand’s annual sales volume in the region next year.
HiteJinro plans to produce 1.5 million litres of Kirin Ichiban by the end of 2026, equivalent to three million 500ml cans. The company aims to manufacture 75% of the brand’s annual sales volume in South Korea next year, according to figures cited in a recent press conference.
Production & Profile
The brew utilizes Kirin’s proprietary First Press Brewing Method, which extracts only the first wort during the brewing process. Crafted with 100% malt, the beer is designed to deliver a balanced taste highlighting the natural richness of malt. Local production aims to ensure a stable supply and shorten transportation times while maintaining product quality for South Korean consumers.
Brand & Industry History
Kirin Brewery began working with HiteJinro in 2004, initially focusing on exporting and selling Kirin Ichiban in South Korea. The move reflects growing consumer interest in Japanese brews, where Japanese beer accounted for 42.5% of South Korea’s beer imports by value in the first nine months of 2026. Kirin Ichiban recorded its highest-ever sales volume in South Korea in 2025, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 82.4% between 2020 and 2026.
What This Means
The expansion strengthens the brand’s position in South Korea and contributes to the development of the country’s alcoholic drinks market. By manufacturing locally, the company ensures a stable supply and maintains product quality for consumers who have seen demand rise partly due to increased travel between the nations.
Consumer Takeaway
Locally brewed Kirin Ichiban offers South Korean drinkers a consistent product with reduced transportation times. The facility targets a production volume of 1.5 million litres by the end of 2026, equivalent to three million 500ml cans, ensuring availability for the growing market demand.
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