KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd said it has entered into a deal with Japan’s Sapporo Breweries Ltd to produce the Sapporo Premium Beer for distribution in Malaysia and Singapore.

The group said it secured the licence from Sapporo, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with over 140 years of beer brewing history globally, to brew and manufacture Japan’s pioneer beer in Malaysia, effective Jan 1, 2024, for five years, with an automatic renewal for a further three years.

The group will produce and sell the beer across all channels in the country, including duty-free zones, said Carlsberg Brewery in a statement.

Meanwhile, the group’s wholly owned unit Carlsberg Singapore Pte Ltd and its subsidiary Maybev Pte Ltd will distribute the Sapporo Premium Beer and Yebisu Beer in Singapore.

This distributor agreement will also be effective for five years starting from Jan 1, with an automatic renewal for one year.

“Having the licence and distribution rights for Sapporo Premium Beer in Malaysia and Singapore is a testament to our brewing excellence standards and commitment toward product innovation," said Carlsberg Brewery managing director Stefano Clini.

He added: “We are confident that Sapporo Premium Beer will complement our premium beers offering. We are also excited to invite Japanese beer enthusiasts to taste the locally brewed, fresh Sapporo Premium Beer in the coming months”.

Carlsberg Malaysia’s share price, which is hovering at a near three-year low, closed two sen or 0.11% higher at RM18.98 on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM5.80 billion.