Japan: declining beer shipments indicate new development chances

As their domestic market shows signs of shrinking, Japanese beer brewers are developing strategies for survival and expansion, including overseas mergers and acquisitions. However, launching new products which capture consumer trends is still the basis of business growth, and the ongoing developments in the Japanese market could be an indication of growth opportunities in the global beer industry.

Published By Datamonitor

Kirin Brewery: tapping into China's growth

Kirin Brewery has taken steps to become the first major Japanese brewer with a wholly owned subsidiary in China. The investment will secure Kirin a firm foothold in a market which, in value growth terms, is expected to far outstrip the brewer's relatively mature domestic market of Japan. By establishing a production plant in China, Kirin also will gain scope for cost savings and further expansion.

Published By Datamonitor

Kirin: alcohol-free beer provides beneficial diversity to product range

The success of Kirin Free, an alcohol-free beer, has forced its owner to increase its sales target for the third time, after sales far exceeded expectations. With the Japanese alcoholic drinks market saturated, Datamonitor views Kirin as successfully straddling both the soft and alcoholic drinks categories and capitalizing on consumer demand for healthy products.

Published By Datamonitor

Kirin: buys stake in San Miguel Brewery

The purchase of a large stake in San Miguel Brewery will allow Kirin to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Asia and benefit from large sales in the Philippines thanks to the established market position of the target company. This deal should advance Kirin's aim to become a market leader in Asia Pacific over the coming years.

Published By Datamonitor

Kirin: refocusing on beverage business

Kirin is to sell its entire stake in Kirin Yakult NextStage, the health food joint venture set up with Yakult in Japan in October 2006. Although the unit currently appears to be struggling, Yakult should be able to use its reputation to capitalize on the growing health food market in Japan. Kirin, meanwhile, will focus on its core strengths in the beverage market.

Published By Datamonitor

Lion Nathan: hunting the Lion's share of Coopers

Lion Nathan has made a bid for Coopers Brewery, offering A$260 a share. Although some analysts believe Lion Nathan is offering too much, the acquisition would help the company offset stalling growth in the Australian standard lager market by furnishing it with a lucrative stock of high-end specialty beers.

Published By Datamonitor

Liqueurs & Other Alcoholic Beverages: top flavors in new products

Published By Datamonitor

Liqueurs & other alcoholic drinks: top launches by corporation

Published By Datamonitor

Liqueurs and other alcoholic drinks: top flavors in new global product launches

Published By Datamonitor

Liqueurs: top flavors in new products

Published By Datamonitor