Asahi acquires Octopi Brewing to expand North American presence

Asahi Europe & International (AEI), a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings, announced its acquisition of Octopi Brewing, a leading beverage production facility in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

This significant investment marks the first U.S. brewing of Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s most popular beer, aligning with AEI’s global growth strategy.

The North American facility aims to boost Asahi’s sales in the U.S. and Canada while offering sustainability benefits, such as emission reduction and supporting the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Paolo Lanzarotti, CEO of Asahi Europe & International, emphasized the strategic importance of local production in North America. The acquisition reflects Asahi and Octopi’s commitment to growth, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. Victoria Segebarth, Managing Director at AEI, highlighted the move as a major step in expanding global brand awareness and access across North America.

Asahi Europe & International Expands into North America with Octopi Brewing Acquisition. Photo courtesy of PRNewswire/Asahi Europe & International.

Octopi Brewing, established in 2014, operates a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing a diverse range of beverages, including beer and ready-to-drink products. The facility’s modern packaging lines offer flexibility in bottle and can styles and sizes. Over the next year, Octopi will be integrated into AEI’s U.S. subsidiary, Asahi Beer USA, and will begin producing Asahi Super Dry and Kozel, along with a broader portfolio for Canadian distribution. Octopi will continue its co-packing operations under its current leadership team led by President Isaac Showaki.

Asahi will invest additional capital to ensure the technical standards required to produce Asahi Super Dry are met, under the guidance of Japanese brewmasters. First introduced in 1987, Asahi Super Dry has become a global icon of modern Japan, known for its crisp and clean taste.

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is a global leader in food and beverage production, boasting a diverse portfolio of premium brands, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch.

The acquisition of Octopi Brewing by Asahi Europe & International signifies a major expansion into the North American market, enhancing Asahi’s global presence. This strategic move not only introduces Asahi Super Dry to new markets but also reflects the company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation in the beverage industry. The integration of Octopi Brewing into Asahi’s operations is poised to strengthen the brand’s international footprint and contribute to its long-term growth and environmental goals.