Japanese beverage and food companies are pursuing a series of acquisitions and new plant construction projects in the US, increasing the strategic importance of the US market. Against the backdrop of declining exports to China, the US market is being positioned as their most important region.
Japanese beverage and food companies are pursuing M&A deals and new plant construction projects in the US, strengthening their presence in the North American market. As the domestic market continues to contract, the strategic importance of the US market, where the population continues to grow, is increasing.
Kirin Holdings announced that it would acquire Jamieson Wellness, a maker of premium supplements in the US, for approximately ¥218.3 billion, with a view to rolling out its own products in the North American market using fermentation and biotechnology. President Minakata Kenji (南方 健志) has set out a growth strategy aimed at helping to solve global health challenges.
Asahi Group Holdings is strengthening the production capacity of Octopi Brewing, a US company whose acquisition it announced in 2024, and began full-scale US production of Super Dry in 2025. It is also introducing its premium fruit RTD, Zeitaku Shibori, to the US market and developing the infrastructure for local production.
Food and beverage-related activity by Japanese companies in the US is thriving. Kabaya Foods has established a US subsidiary and begun exporting its flagship brands, while Nichirei is building a new frozen-food plant in the US. The US has ranked first as Japan's largest export destination for the second consecutive year. The US market is being positioned as a promising market supported by high incomes and continued population growth.