Japanese food and beverage conglomerate Kirin Holdings has confirmed that it is in merger talks with local rival Suntory.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Kirin said in a statement today (14 July) that the two are “at an initial stage of business merger discussions”.


“Nothing has been resolved or reached an agreement at this stage,” Kirin added.


Yesterday, Japanese business publication Nikkei reported that the two are considering a merger.


Kirin, the owner of Australia’s Dairy Farmers and National Foods, responded to the reports by saying that the two “have already collaborated in various operational areas such as distribution and procurement”. It did not deny, however, that talks were taking place.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Should the two companies merge, they would control around half of the Japanese beer market.


Suntory’s food interests include various health food brands – including Sesamin and Power of Nature – in Japan, where it also distributes Haagen Dazs ice cream.