Brazil: Kirin aims at strengthening its position in Brazilian beer market

Brasil Kirin, the Brazilian unit of Japan’s Kirin wants to increase its market share in the country via organic growth of its brands, such as Devassa beer, company executives were quoted as saying by the local media on January, 14.

Kirin’s products have tremendous potential, marketing chief Maria Inez Murad said during the presentation of the new “Devassa Girl” for Rio de Janeiro’s upcoming carnival.

“There are many opportunities for growth with the existing brands,” but acquisitions have not been ruled out, Murad said in a press conference earlier this week.

Brasil Kirin produces beers, including Devassa and Cintra, soft drinks and waters under the Schin brand and juices sold under the Fruthos label.

The company’s goal in 2013 is to “strengthen its position” in the Brazilian beverage market, Murad said.

Kirin plans to open 10 breweries across Brazil this year, adding to its existing fleet of 30 breweries, including five opened in 2012.

The Japanese company gained control in August 2011 of Brazilian brewer Schincariol for 3.95 billion reais (about $2.94 billion at the exchange rate in effect at the time).