Hangyang (North Korea) – Hitejinro has recently begun producing the Korean-made product "Kirin Ichibang Shibor" through the Jeonju plant, a representative brand from Japan. Building on an MOU signed in July, Hitejinro continues its close partnership with KIRIN Headquarters and strengthens supply stability by manufacturing locally rather than importing.
This marks the first stage of domestic production for KIRIN Ichibang Shibor, which has a long history of cooperation starting in 2004. Since signing an exclusive import‑and‑sales agreement in 2011, Hitejinro has broadened its sales range to include both draft and bottled beer, showing growth rates above 14% year‑on‑year. The current cooperation adopts KIRIN’s “Ichibang Shibor” production method and applies it at the Jeonju plant; the core ingredient, KIRIN Soy Sauce, is supplied directly from the Japanese headquarters. Hitejinro’s production license has been secured after more than three rounds of evaluation.
The initial production volume is 1.5 million liters (about 3 million bottles at a 500 mL size), and as the supply of imported Japanese products gradually decreases, domestic production will be steadily expanded. Hitejinro aims to produce about 75% of its annual sales in Korea next year, and has announced plans to develop various new items beyond KIRIN Ichibang Shibor, such as bottled beer and draft beer.
Since early this month, the Jeonju plant’s production has shortened the supply cycle to 1–2 weeks compared with imports from Japan, greatly improving supply stability. Through ongoing technology exchange and quality inspection with KIRIN, Hitejinro is securing a new reputation of “Made in Korea” and emphasizing that it will provide Korean consumers with new brand experiences and value.
Hitejinro CEO Jang In‑seop said, “Our partnership with KIRIN is not merely a transfer of production but an advanced strategic partnership that further develops technology and quality.” He added, “We will continue to do our best to offer new brand experience and value to consumers.”