Asahi Beer USA has announced the U.S. introduction of Asahi Zeitaku Shibori (Shibori), Asahi Group Holding’s premium Japanese ready-to-drink (RTD) brand and the first Asahi RTD to be produced in the United States. The launch represents an important step in Asahi’s global expansion of its Beer Adjacent Categories portfolio and highlights the company’s growing investment in North American production at its Octopi production site in Waunakee, Wisconsin.
Ranked among Japan’s top RTD brands , Zeitaku Shibori (“premium squeeze”) is crafted with a vodka base and 10 percent fruit juice, to deliver a refined, naturally fruity taste, and is just 100 calories per 12oz can. For the U.S. market, two flavors — Lemon and Peach — were developed collaboratively by Asahi’s Japanese product development team and the innovation team at Octopi. This ensures the product remains rooted in its Japanese origin while aligning with American consumers’ preferences.
“Introducing Shibori to the United States is a meaningful expansion of our brand portfolio and a perfect example of how we can win beyond beer,” said Paul Verdu, Managing Director of Asahi Beer U.S.A., Inc. “The brand’s success in Japan demonstrates its broad appeal, and we see an opportunity to bring its premium, fruit-forward experience to American consumers seeking distinctive RTD choices that balance craftsmanship with approachability.”
Distribution will be handled through Wismettac across a select group of priority launch markets, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, New Jersey, Honolulu, Seattle, Miami, Chicago, and Denver.
