Message from the President of R&D

Since its founding in 1876, Sapporo Breweries’ R&D has carried forward the pioneering spirit that began with the Kaitakushi Brewery. We have built a broad foundation of core technologies spanning everything from the cultivation and breeding of raw materials—barley and hops—to brewing and fermentation, sake blending, chemical analysis, and packaging.We regard these as our core technologies, and while continuing to support the value of our flagship brands—including Sapporo Draft Beer Black Label and Yebisu—over many years, we have also created new products. Our accumulation of technology over more than 140 years is the source of our competitiveness and the foundation that enables us to take on future challenges.

As social environments and customer values undergo significant changes, R&D is now called upon more than ever to create new value while addressing social issues.“Bonds with Community” deepens our connections with customers and local communities to provide exciting experiences and new ways to enjoy our products; “Healthier Choice” offers healthier options; and “Sustainability” promotes coexistence with local communities and nature. In particular, the development of barley and hop varieties adapted to climate change is a critical initiative that contributes to securing a stable supply of raw materials for the future and to the sustainability of the entire alcoholic beverage industry. Through R&D, we will translate these values into reality using proven technology, aiming to contribute to society.

The Sapporo Group possesses technological assets that span the Alcoholic Beverages business, Soft Drinks / Beverages, and food sectors. Through collaboration with Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage, we will mutually leverage research outcomes in areas such as raw materials, fermentation, analysis, and health ingredients to create new products and value. By pooling knowledge within the Group and promoting collaboration with external partners, we will continue to take on the challenge of achieving sustainable growth even in a rapidly changing business environment.

In 2026, we evolved our Research and Development Structure and established a new organizational framework integrated with the marketing division.Centered on a customer-first, future-oriented, and creative approach, we will bridge technology and the market to accelerate the pace of Innovation. Sapporo Breweries’ R&D will form a trinity with management and marketing, continuing to strive for the maximization of corporate value over the medium to long term. Through R&D, we will create value that society continues to need and pioneer the future.