Asahi is preparing to shift the production of its namesake lager brand for North America to newly-acquired Octopi Brewing in the US.
The transaction, announced late last week, sees the Japanese group take ownership of the Wisconsin-based contract beverage production and co-packing business. Financial details about the purchase were not disclosed.
Asahi’s Europe & International division will oversee the integration of ten-year-old Octopi into Asahi Beer USA. Following the investment of “additional capital to help meet the technical standards required to produce Asahi Super Dry”, brewing of the beer as well as the Kozel brand for the US and Canada will make the move across.
“By making this investment we are taking a major step forward in accelerating the growth journey of our global brands, expanding awareness, reach and access across North America through existing and new on- and off-trade partners,” said the MD for EMEA & Americas at Asahi Europe & International, Victoria Segebarth.
According to the brand owner, Asahi Super Dry, which launched in 1987, is the top-selling beer brand in Japan.
Just over a year ago, the group unveiled The Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation Fund, targeting low- & no-alcohol start-ups in the US through a funding programme that will undertake minority-stake purchases.
