Japanese scented ale “KAGUA” by Nippon Craft Beer Inc.
Nippon Craft Beer Announces Allocation of New Shares to Third Party
TOKYO, Japan – June 15, 2012 – Nippon Craft Beer Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) announces that it has allocated new shares to a third party as of June 15, 2012. With total funding amounting to 10,000,000 yen, the allottees are several private investors from Japan and Hong Kong, including Fergus Fung, the founder of Hong Kong’s WOM Guide.
The Allottees:
・Ardian International Limited
・Net Capital Partners Limited
・Hiroshi Shiiba
・Fergus Fung
Purpose of the allocation:
・To enhance the Company’s marketing, sales and operational strength in order to realize further growth in the Japanese market.
・To establish a wholly-owned subsidiary – tentatively named Nippon Craft Beer HK Limited – in July 2012 to facilitate the full-scale entry into overseas markets.
KAGUA is currently available in several restaurants throughout Tokyo, among them establishments awarded stars in the 2012 Michelin Guide for Tokyo and restaurants featured in this year’s Zagat Guide for Tokyo. With the KAGUA’s reputation on solid ground in Japan, the Company is now looking to accelerate its overseas expansion. In addition, the new subsidiary will focus on building an interregional freight transport network and an international marketing hub for markets across Asia, while also looking to develop business in the wider global marketplace.
By March 2013, just one year after the commercial launch of “KAGUA”, the Company is aiming to have KAGUA available at more than 350 restaurants throughout the globe: 250 restaurants in Japan and 100 restaurants in overseas markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Looking ahead, the Company fully expects to expand its business to other cities as well, including Paris and New York.
Comment from Shiro Yamada, CEO of Nippon Craft Beer Inc. :
I am genuinely glad to have wonderful partners.
The Company was founded with the mission to deliver the best beer throughout the world to as many people as possible. Fergus Fung and the other allottees have excellent food-related experience and powerful networks. We intend to develop the business in foreign markets with their help. I’m excited that this allocation of new shares gets the Company closer to its goal.
We, Nippon Craft Beer Inc., will do all we can to continue increasing the opportunities people have to enjoy the Japanese scented ale “KAGUA”.
Information about WOM Guide:
WOM Guide, founded by Fergus Fung and Samantha Pong in 2004, is a famous word-of-mouth restaurant guide focusing on Hong Kong. It provides detailed information on more than 2,900 restaurants in the area, and the printed version became a bestseller at major bookstores SCMP, Dymocks and Bookazine.
In addition, the management company behind WOM Guide was awarded the SME Entrepreneurship Award in 2010, which is for the most successful venture company in Hong Kong. This award added to Fergus Fung’s reputation as a highly-praised entrepreneur.
Information about “KAGUA”:
KAGUA is a unique ale, unlike anything you have tasted before.
Following the recipes created by Nippon Craft Beer Inc., the beers are brewed by a renowned Belgian brewer, following tests of 14 different prototypes over four years. Gathering the raw materials, setting up the manufacturing methods, arranging the logistics processes, and even designing the bottle; in all aspects we have thoroughly pursued the highest quality possible.
There are two different flavors “KAGUA” just like there are white wines and red wines. There is “KAGUA Blanc,” which is a light-colored top-fermented beer with wheat, and “KAGUA Rouge,” which is a dark-colored top-fermented beer with the roasted malt. Both “KAGUA Blanc” and “KAGUA Rouge” incorporate the traditional Japanese herbs of Yuzu and Sansho.
With a complex aroma offering hints of sweetness, bitterness as well as freshness, KAGUA plays an integral role in the marriage between food and drink.
**KAGUA is a registered trademark of Nippon Craft Beer Inc. in Japan and other countries.
Nippon Craft Beer Inc. Company Profile:
Nippon Craft Beer Inc. was founded in September 2011 to deliver the best beer throughout the world.
NOMAD NEW’S BASE 106, 1-10-8 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 106-0031
Capitalized at 15,000,000 yen
Website: http://www.nipponcraftbeer.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kagua.beer/
twitter: http://twitter.com/kagua.beer
Press Contacts:
Erina Usami
Nippon Craft Beer Inc.
erina@nipponcraftbeer.com
+81 (0)70 5594 6881
JP
