Sapporo Breweries

Seibei Nakagawa started brewing beer in the freezing streets of Sapporo, Hokkaido, back in 1876. That first batch launched the oldest surviving beer brand in Japan and grew into a massive global operation today. While the roots remain in Hokkaido, the company now runs from Yebisu Garden Place in Shibuya, Tokyo. They operate five breweries within Japan and maintain significant production facilities abroad, including the Sleeman brewery in Guelph, Ontario, and the Sapporo Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

The portfolio centers on Sapporo Premium Beer, celebrated for its crisp taste, alongside the premium Yebisu line and the smooth Sleeman Cream Ale after buying out Sleeman Breweries in 2006. The company also makes chuhai, wine, food items, and soft drinks. A major restructuring in 2003 separated the holding company from brewing operations, yet deep ties to the Mitsui keiretsu system remain intact. Their marketing often highlights this heritage to position themselves as a premium import in North America.

Recent years brought significant changes driven by trade tensions. Reports from September 2026 show Sapporo moving some production from Canada to the United States to avoid 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. This shift aims to cut roughly JPY 1.2 billion in tariff costs. The company also sold Stone Brewing's San Diego facility, leading to closures there, while Unibroue in Chambly, Quebec, continues operating without interruption. [edit]