Breaking: Asahi Holdings Purchases Octopi Brewing
January 5, 2024 – Japanese multinational brewer Asahi Holdings announced today that they have reached an agreement to acquire Wisconsin contract brewer Octopi Brewing, allowing them to brew Asahi Super Dry beer in the United States for the first time.
In a press release announcing the deal, Managing Director Victoria Segebarth said, “By making this investment we are taking a major step forward in accelerating the growth journey of our global brands, expanding awareness, reach and access across North America through existing and new on and off trade partners.” Octopi Founder Isaac Showaki will stay on as President of Octopi for the time being, as well as the rest of the leadership team.
Founded in 2015 in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Octopi Brewing focuses primarily on contract brewing, with over 220,000 barrels produced in 2022. However they also produce beers under the Octopi Beer brand, as well as under the Untitled Art brand, created in collaboration with Funk Brewing founder Levi Funk. Asahi’s statements initially did not specify whether Untitled Art was included in the deal, but after we reached out to Asahi a spokesman for the brand indicated that the brand would not be purchased along with the rest of the business.