Kirin Ichiban

Kirin · Japan (and licensed production abroad)
Alcohol Beer Alcohol Established export

Kirin's flagship 'first press' (ichiban shibori) all-malt lager, instantly recognizable by its silver can with red/gold stars and a fixture in US restaurants and grocery. A premium-leaning mass lager that travels well as an authentic Japanese beer choice.

The supplierKirin Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kirin Holdings, Japan); major global brewer. Kirin Ichiban ('first press') brewed in Japan and under license abroad (e.g., UK by Charles Wells/Marston's historically, US imports). Fully B2B/English-ready.
Why it sells abroad'Ichiban shibori' first-press all-malt brewing for a smoother profile; established premium-import beer with strong Japanese-restaurant placement

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsFSSC 22000 / ISO 9001 / 14001 (Kirin group): not publicly verified per-brewery for this SKU. HACCP: not publicly verified. No halal/organic/kosher certification found.
Pack formats330ml bottle; 355ml and 500ml cans; keg; cases of 24. Confirmed via retail listings.
Shelf life~9-12 months best-by (lager).
StorageCool, dark, upright.
Minimum orderTypical: distributor pallet/FCL; broad wholesale availability
Lead timeLicensed/local production ships regionally; Japan-origin Typical: ~4–6 weeks ocean
CapacityVery high — Japan plus licensed overseas brewing for reliable supply
Container loadTypical: ~1,000–1,200 cases (24×330ml) per 20ft
PricingEstimate: mainstream-import; FOB ~USD 0.7–1.2/can wholesale equivalent
OEM / private labelBrand only; brewed under license abroad (e.g., licensed production in several markets) but not third-party private label.
Wholesale & MOQKirin distribution + Japanese-food distributors; case/pallet/FCL. Broad availability.
Key exporters & distributorsJFC International, Mutual Trading, Wismettac Asian Foods
Export regulationUS TTB/COLA + state distributor licensing; some markets supplied via licensed local brewing; EU excise + labeling.
Market demandSolid US/UK/AU/Asia on-trade and retail demand; consistent premium-import positioning
How to source itKirin and licensed brewers/importers; beverage wholesalers; regional Kirin/partner distribution.
Verified sourceshttps://www.kirin.co.jp/english/
MakerKirin Brewery Co., Ltd.
OriginJapan (and licensed production abroad)
CategoryAlcohol / Beer
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Australia +5 more
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierMass
ChannelMass
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code2203.00
+ Add to list

Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.