History of the Kirin GroupApplying innovations to respond flexibly to changes in the operating environment

Kirin's market share reaches 60% during the boom years when beer becomes popular in Japan

During Japan's period of rapid economic growth from the 1950s to 1970s, Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd., greatly expanded its production, sales, and deliveries of beer. It also expanded operations to include a soft drink business in 1963 and a whiskey business in 1972. By the 1970s, the company had secured a market share of about 60% for its Kirin-brand beer, produced by its network of 12 breweries across the country.

Beer shipments and domestic market share in the 1970s

Diversifying operations beyond beer production to offer a wider lineup of life-enrichening products

In the 1980s, the Kirin Group expanded into the life sciences industry and established a full-fledged pharmaceuticals business. In order to diversify its operations further, Kirin took steps toward creating a new company image while improving its corporate structure.

The launch of Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd., was established in 2007, the year of the company's 100th anniversary of its founding. A pure holding company framework was adopted as a means for strengthening the Kirin Group's management. Then in 2013, Kirin Co., Ltd., was established for the purpose of leading the Group's Japan Integrated Beverage business segment.

Expanding operations globally

Aiming to be a leading company in Asia and Oceania, Kirin Holdings set up subsidiaries in various countries including Australia, China, the Philippines, and Myanmar. It also launched Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd., in 2008 as a pharmaceutical and biochemical business, which is applying biotechnology in an effort to develop global pharmaceutical products.

Percent of revenue/Percent of normalized operating profit

* Normalized operating profit margin(2017)

EARLY HISTORY
Founding of Japan Brewery Co., Ltd.

Japan Brewery Co., Ltd., was set up in 1885 by a number of foreign residents in Yokohama's Yamate district, who envisioned great promise for a beer industry in Japan. To produce a genuine German-style beer that suited the tastes of Japanese consumers, they imported ingredients and brewing equipment from Germany and hired a qualified German brewmaster. Kirin beer was sold in 1888 with a label featuring a kirin, a legendary creature from ancient Chinese myths that is said to be a harbinger of good luck.

Establishment of Kirin Brewery Company in 1907 amid intensifying competition among beer makers

Japan's beer industry entered a time of intense competition after the turn of the century. In that context, a group representing the Iwasaki family and the companies Mitsubishi and Meidi-Ya took over Japan Brewery and, while leaving the brewery's operations intact, established Kirin Brewery Company in 1907. The new company's Articles of Incorporation declared an ambition to do business over the next 100 years.

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