Brooklyn Brewery continues world slayage, might be working with Kirin in Japan

Earlier this week, we were talking about Brooklyn Brewery teaming up with Carlsberg to distribute its beer portfolio in the United Kingdom. Now, news of a partnership with Kirin Holdings Co. in Japan has emerged. According to this article on The Japan Times:

Kirin Brewery Co. is considering entering into a partnership with Brooklyn Brewery of the United States, informed sources said Wednesday. The unit of Kirin Holdings Co. plans to manufacture and sell the New York state-based craft brewer’s Brooklyn Lager in Japan and Brazil starting next year, the sources said.

Through the tie-up, Kirin aims to expand its craft beer portfolio to meet growing demand in Japan at a time when beer consumption in the country has been on the decrease in general. Kirin is also considering establishing a joint venture with Brooklyn Brewery for marketing in Japan.

Kirin has been pursuing the craft beer market pretty hard for a few years now. Check out this article — it’s an overview of how Kirin sees craft as a way to bolster the sliding sales of its traditional beer offerings.