Karuizawa Distillers plans to launch single malt whiskies targeting Asia-Pacific, North America, and the EU

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-19 12:56:00

Karuizawa Distillers plans to target Asia-Pacific, North America, and the EU with its first single malt whiskies set to launch next year. The company expects Asia-Pacific to be its largest market, focusing on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Distribution partners are in place for Japan, the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

CEO Koji Shimaoka anticipates strong interest in the US market, with plans to target the East and West Coast regions, as well as Texas, Florida, and Chicago. Karuizawa will price its products between $80-$150, aiming at the premium segment to mitigate tariff impacts when entering the US market. The company aims to produce 100,000 nine-liter cases of whisky in six years and 1 million cases in ten years.

Karuizawa recently announced plans to build a second distillery, Furaliss, in Hokkaido, Japan, in partnership with Seibu Group and the city of Furano. The new site is expected to open in 2028. The company also has aspirations to open additional distilleries in Japan and potentially acquire distilleries in Scotland in the future.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Fledgling Karuizawa Distillers sets out stall ahead of whisky launch