Japanese sake brewery to make foray into India

Takahashi Shouten, a historic sake brewery established in 1717 and based in Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, is making strides toward entering the Indian market, as reported by the Japanese media. The brewery launched a subsidiary in India in February 2024, marking a significant milestone as the first Japanese sake manufacturer to establish an Indian subsidiary, according to the Japanese Embassy in India.

While the Indian unit is still awaiting a manufacturing licence from local authorities, it has already begun trial production and is evaluating potential manufacturing sites across the country. The company plans to locally source key ingredients such as rice and water, along with koji mold, to craft a uniquely Indian version of sake. This approach is expected to reduce production costs and facilitate nationwide distribution.

Takahashi Shouten is also exploring ways to pair sake with Indian cuisine to enhance its appeal. The brewery aims to commence full-scale production within three years, a move that could significantly expand the presence of Japanese sake in South Asia.