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Japanese brewer Kirin plans to offer healthier food, drinks

Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd. is exploring the possibility of selling healthier food and beverages amid a shrinking beer market, Bloomberg News reported June 7, citing an interview with the Japanese brewer's CEO Yoshinori Isozaki.

"Last year we began looking at how we can develop a business in the area of health and well-being," Isozaki told the news outlet. "Everyone wants to live as long as they can."

Isozaki said they are aiming to reach ¥100 billion in sales of healthy food and drinks over the next two decades, according to the report. He said he expects this new line of business to take 10 to 20 years to build.

The report said Isozaki also hinted at the possibility of acquiring or forming joint ventures with smaller research companies to boost its pharmaceuticals business. Its drug subsidiary Kyowa Hakko Kirin recorded ¥354.2 billion in sales in 2017.

Kirin plans to increase its premium beer offerings in Japan and acquire stakes in brewery operations in developing markets including Southeast Asia, in addition to its move to add drinks and snacks that contain healthful bacteria, Bloomberg News reported.

The company already started introducing a new product line called iMuse that offers snacks and drinks with lactobacilli, which helps improve digestion, the report added.

As of June 7, US$1 was equivalent to ¥109.98.