21 July 2011

One of Japan’s best known beers, Sapporo, will be brewed by SA’s Coopers Brewery, and distributed throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.  

A contract between Coopers and Sapporo was signed at Sapporo’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, today by Coopers’ MD, Dr Tim Cooper, Premium Beverages’ Managing Director, Bruce Siney, and Mr Yoshi Mochida, President & CEO of Sapporo International.

Under the terms of the agreement, Coopers will brew Sapporo Premium Beer at its Regency Park brewery in Adelaide, with sales and distribution to be undertaken by Coopers’ subsidiary, Premium Beverages, from 1 October.

“It is the first major contract brewing arrangement to be undertaken by Coopers since moving to Regency Park in 2001, although we have been brewing Carlsberg’s ultra low alcohol beer, Birell, since 1977,” Dr Cooper says.

Sapporo Premium will be available in 355ml bottles, 650ml cans, and 50 litre kegs. 

“We have been in discussions with Sapporo about this contract since last year, and have hosted a number of visits from Sapporo representatives to inspect our facilities,” Dr Cooper says. 

“The technical interchange in Australia and in Japan with the Sapporo brewers has been both encouraging and informative. I look forward to a long future working together in pursuing brewing excellence, and a strong market position through Premium Beverages for the Sapporo brand in Australia and New Zealand.” 

Bruce Siney anticipates around 160,000 cases of Sapporo will be sold in the first year, with sales expected to reach 500,000 cases within five years.