Asahi has raised its focus in the US on the bottled version of its namesake beer, adding greater bottling capabilities to the in-market production element for Asahi Super Dry.
Back in January 2024, the Japanese group announced the acquisition of Octopi Brewing in the north-eastern state of Wisconsin. At the time, Asahi laid out its intention to brew locally for the US supply of Asahi Super Dry.
Earlier this week, the company’s division in the US commenced operations of a “high-speed” bottling line at Octopi in Wannakee that handles around 20,000 units per hour. Asahi Beer USA linked the installation of the system to a “deliberate strategy to support continued demand for bottled formats among super-premium, international and multi-format [beer] brands” in the country.
“Asahi Super Dry is one of the fastest growing beer brands in the USA across bottles, cans and kegs,” said Asahi Beer USA MD Paul Verdu. “By investing in a high-speed bottling line alongside our existing canning and kegging capabilities, we are now localising supply across all core pack formats, reducing reliance on ocean freight and ensuring the freshest product possible to our customers and consumers.”
At the same time, the unit highlighted Octopi’s capabilities for third-party brands. “This investment allows us to support both bottled and canned products at scale, while opening the door to new co-manufacturing partnerships that require that level of flexibility,” Verdu added.
The initial commissioning will focus on 35.5cl six-pack and 62cl 12-pack bottles of Super Dry that will roll out domestically next month.
