November 1: Japanese brewers are expanding their production in China following their entry into the world’s largest beer market.
According to reports in The Nikkei, both Asahi Breweries and Kirin Holdings have been responding to a declining market in Japan with more investment in China.
Asahi is spending 146 million yuan (US$19.6m) to double capacity at Shenzen near Hong Kong, a joint venture with leading Chinese brewer Tsingtao and the Itochu trading group. Current production of 160,000kl a year will be raised to 210,000kl in March and 330,000kl in 2010.
