HiteJinro has started brewing Kirin Ichiban beer in South Korea through a new deal with Kirin Holdings.
In a statement, the Japanese brewer said local production would allow it to “ensure a stable supply” of the brand in South Korea, trim lead times and deliver “an even higher-quality product” to consumers.
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Kirin and HiteJinro began working together in 2004, cooperating in the market through the sale of products including Kirin Ichiban. They subsequently signed an exclusive distribution agreement in 2011.
Kirin Ichiban is being brewed at HiteJinro’s Jeonju Brewery in south-western South Korea, with sales in the market are being gradually switched to the locally brewed product from “early October”, the statement added.
The 5% abv beer will be available nationwide in 350ml, 490ml and 500ml cans.
A Kirin spokesperson told Just Drinks that South Korea is one of the “most important overseas markets” for its beer business. The company aims to “further grow” Kirin Ichiban there.
Kirin Ichiban also recorded its highest-ever sales volume in the market in 2025, according to the group.
Local production with will help to “enhance the brand’s competitiveness and accelerate its growth” in South Korea, the spokesperson said.
Kirin also plans to “further strengthen” the Kirin Ichiban brand in South Korea through increased brand investment and an expanded sales base.
“The company expects distribution volume to grow as a result of these investments and has a medium-term ambition for Kirin Ichiban to become the leading Japanese beer brand in the South Korean market,” it added.
The group was unable to provide information on the Jeonju brewery’s production capacity or planned volumes for Kirin Ichiban.
Kirin has no plans to produce other brands locally in South Korea for now.
“Our current priority is ensuring a stable supply of canned Kirin Ichiban,” the spokesperson said.
Just Drinks has also contacted HiteJinro for comment.
The announcement is the latest move by Kirin to localise production of its brands overseas.
Earlier this year, the group launched its RTD label Hyoketsu in the US, with production at New Belgium Brewing’s Daleville brewery in Virginia.
