SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery Enters into Capital and Business Alliance with Mitsui & Co. Principal Investments

SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery Co., Ltd. (“SAKURAO B&D”), headquartered in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a capital and business alliance with Mitsui & Co. Principal Investments Co., Ltd. (“MCPI”) following a capital investment made through an investment limited partnership managed by MCPI on October 24, 2025.

Background and Purpose of the Alliance
Since its establishment in 1918, SAKURAO B&D has been producing a diverse range of alcoholic beverages—including sake, shochu, liqueurs, and whisky—in Sakurao, Hiroshima, while preserving a strong commitment to local craftsmanship and tradition.

In 2017, the company launched SAKURAO DISTILLERY, marking its entry into the production of premium Japanese gin and whisky. Following its corporate name change in 2021, SAKURAO B&D further strengthened its premium spirits business. In November 2025, the company is scheduled to begin trial operations at its new distillery, SAKURAO DISTILLERY FOREST SITE, located in Yoshiwa, Hatsukaichi.

As the company enters this new stage of growth, SAKURAO B&D has chosen to partner with MCPI to reinforce its management foundation, accelerate business expansion, and create new long-term value while pursuing further global growth.

Future Initiatives
Through this strategic partnership, SAKURAO B&D will leverage the extensive expertise and business network of MCPI and the Mitsui & Co. Group across the food and beverage industry.

The collaboration will provide support in areas including:

• Business management and operational improvement
• Digital transformation (DX)
• International business development
• Marketing and brand strategy
• Human resources
• Supply chain optimization

The partnership is expected to further accelerate the company’s growth while strengthening its competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Looking ahead, SAKURAO B&D will continue expanding its whisky business worldwide while promoting new product development utilizing local resources, strengthening tourism collaborations, and advancing sustainable production initiatives. Through these efforts, the company aims to share Hiroshima’s rich whisky and spirits culture with the world.

Message from Koichiro Shirai, President & CEO
“SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery is entering the next chapter of its more than 100-year history while remaining true to the craftsmanship and distilling traditions cultivated in our hometown of Sakurao.

Through our partnership with Mitsui & Co. Principal Investments, we will further strengthen our business foundation and continue delivering exceptional spirits from Hiroshima to customers around the world.”

— Koichiro Shirai
President & CEO
SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

■Company

：　SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery Co., Ltd.

■Head Office

：　1-12-1 Sakurao, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 738-8602, Japan

■Established

：　October 8, 1918

■Capital

：　JPY 100 million

■President & CEO

：　Koichiro Shirai

■Telephone

：　+81-829-32-2111

Contact
For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:
Corporate Administration Division
SAKURAO Brewery & Distillery Co., Ltd.
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