Kirin Acquires Two Dogs Brand, Strengthens RTD Brand Line-up

JCNN News Summaries - Japan Corporate News Network, Mar 3, 2006 by Sarah Hall

Tokyo, Mar 3, 2006 - (JCN) - Kirin Brewery Company, Limited ("Kirin") recently announced that in February, it signed an agreement with Pernod Ricard Australia under which Kirin will acquire the Two Dogs brand from its group company, Two Dogs International.

The agreement includes trademark rights, manufacturing methods and other intellectual property rights relating to the Two Dogs brand.

One of Kirin's primary goals for 2006 is to make further progress in developing as a comprehensive alcoholic beverage company. The company's strategy, which centers on strengthening the brand line-up in the RTD (ready to drink) category, is reflected by the acquisition of the Two Dogs brand, which it has been importing since 1998. The world's first fermented lemon low alcohol beverage, Two Dogs has proven popular with young adult drinkers.

Global demand for RTDs like Two Dogs has shown continued growth, and Kirin anticipates a receptive Japanese market. Kirin will begin preparations to relaunch the Two Dogs brand in Japan, and aims to maintain the highest standards of quality and taste control through unified management of the brand from production to sale. Kirin will also be working to expand the RTD market, and will consider adding new flavors in addition to the popular lemon Two Dogs that is currently available.