Kirin Acquires Two Dogs brand

08/03/06 Kirin Brewery Company, Limited has announced that it has signed a contract with Pernod Ricard Australia to acquire the Two Dogs brand from its group company, Two Dogs International. Two Dogs is the world's first fermented lemon low alcohol beverage, and the agreement includes trademark rights, manufacturing methods and other intellectual property rights relating to the Two Dogs brand.

One of the key strategies of Kirin's business plan for 2006 is to make further progress in developing as a comprehensive alcohol beverages company, centered on strengthening the brand line-up in the RTD (Ready To Drink) category. The acquisition of the Two Dogs brand, which Kirin has been importing since 1998, reflects this strategy, and Kirin will be working to build further support for a brand that has proved popular with younger adult drinkers.

Global demand for RTDs has shown continued growth, and Japan is the largest market1. Kirin will begin preparations to relaunch the Two Dogs brand in Japan, and through unified management of the brand from production through to sale aims to maintain the highest standards of quality and taste control. Kirin will also be working to expand the RTD market, and will consider adding new varieties to the popular lemon flavor Two Dogs that is currently available.