Kirin, Brooklyn Brewery tie up to tap global craft beer market

Japanese beer producer Kirin on Wednesday announced it was acquiring a 25 percent stake in New York's Brooklyn Brewery, to tap into the global popularity of craft beers. The two companies will also form a joint venture in Japan next year to market Brooklyn beers in Japan and then expand to Brazil, the Tokyo-based Kirin said in a statement. "The companies will work to expand the craft beer market using the Brooklyn brand, which is popular among younger consumers in numerous markets worldwide," Kirin said. The two companies did not disclose the dollar amount of Kirin's investment. However, in announcing the deal, Brooklyn Brewery President Robin Ottaway said the capital infusion would help his company expand internationally and increase production. The investment allows Brooklyn "to remain an independent owned and operated brewery" while it expands domestically and internationally," said Ottaway. One of the largest US craft beer makers, Brooklyn Brewery is building a new headquarters with a 600 person rooftop beer garden, and is planning more domestic brewing capacity to establish itself as a national brand. "This investment is part of a broader strategy to form partnerships and collaborate around the world to build our brand and help grow craft beer wherever we go," Ottaway said.