Kirin Brewery has begun local production of Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer at HiteJinro’s Jeonju Brewery in South Korea. Sales will switch to Korean-made products from early October on a phased basis, with the aim of ensuring stable supply and improving quality.
Kirin Brewery has begun local production of Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer (hereinafter, “Ichiban Shibori”) at HiteJinro’s Jeonju Brewery in South Korea and will progressively switch sales to Korean-made products from early October. The company stated that local production will shorten transport times and enable it to provide higher-quality Ichiban Shibori.
The quality of Japanese beer has been well received in the South Korean market, and sales volumes of Japanese beer have expanded as the number of South Korean visitors to Japan increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirin Brewery has continued its collaboration with HiteJinro since 2004, and aims to stabilize supply and improve quality through the launch of local production.
The product will communicate the characteristics of the Ichiban Shibori brewing method and the natural taste of 100% malt, with the aim of enhancing brand value. The packaging adopts a design centered on the kirin mythical beast to convey a sense of quality, and the product is scheduled to be offered in cans rather than bottles.
Product details are as follows: product name, Kirin Ichiban Shibori Draft Beer; launch date, progressively from early October 2026; launch market, South Korea; pack sizes, 350ml, 490ml and 500ml cans; alcohol content, 5%; manufacturing facility, HiteJinro Jeonju Brewery in South Korea (Jeonju Brewery).