Australian Brewery says the freshly inked Japan Free Trade Agreement has helped it clinch a contract to supply Japan's largest importer with its craft brew in a can.
The Rouse Hill-based craft brewer will supply its canned craft beers throughout Japan via the country’s biggest beer importer Konish with the first shipment to go online in Japan next month.
Australian Brewery's Pale Ale and Pilsner will be available in hundreds of outlets across Japan including top end supermarkets Kinokuniya and Seijo Ishii.
The brewer said it was one of the smallest and youngest companies to break into this market. Exporting to Japan, where beer accounts for two thirds of all alcohol consumed, is a big deal for any brewery, its marketing manager, David Ward said.
According to Australian Brewery, it has been notoriously difficult for Australian beer manufactures to export to Japan until now, with the new free trade agreement resulting in the lifting of export tariffs.
It was the first craft brewery in Australia to install a canning line, but canned beer is a more common packaging choice in Japan, with all the major brands having canning lines, according to Australian Brewery.
Ward said the export market is looking at smaller Australian breweries willing to have a go.
“We are noticing a real shift in people seeking craft beer both here in Australia and overseas.”
