Prestigious Dutch Brand "Bavaria" Launches New Strategy with Japan-Exclusive Designs! Spring 2026: Four Major Products Revamped & The Long-Awaited "Premium Pilsner" Finally Arrives in Japan!

Swinkels Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture) will refresh the brand packaging for "Bavaria," the beer brand proudly produced by the prestigious Dutch brewery Royal Swinkels (founded in 1719), for the Japanese market. The long-awaited new lineup will be released sequentially starting in the spring of 2026.

This renewal introduces "Japan-exclusive designs" developed through meticulous analysis of Japanese consumer characteristics, backed by over 300 years of tradition and innovation. Furthermore, the company aims to dramatically increase its presence in the domestic market by introducing highly acclaimed new flavors and variety packs within the rapidly expanding "low-alcohol and non-alcoholic" category.

---

■ Product Portfolio: Renewals & New Lineup

We are launching a total of five items that cater to Japanese lifestyles, ranging from our traditional pilsner to our world-award-winning non-alcoholic beer.

Renewed Products:

Bavaria 0.0% (330ml): Authentic taste achieved through a dealcoholization process.

Bavaria 0.0% Lemon (330ml): Features 4% fruit juice, offering a balanced, fruity sweetness and a pleasant, refreshing finish.

Bavaria 0.0% Grapefruit (330ml): A new sensory experience featuring an exquisite balance between grapefruit and malt.

Bavaria 2% Lemon Lager (330ml): A blend of lemon and orange juice reduces bitterness, creating a new delicious harmony between beer and fruit.

New Products:

Bavaria 2% Lemon Lager (500ml): In addition to the 330ml size, we are launching a 500ml version for those who want to enjoy more.

Bavaria Premium Pilsner 5% (330ml bottle): Winner of a Gold Medal at the "World Beer Awards 2024." We are launching this globally acclaimed, authentic pilsner in a bottle format.

※ Please note that there may be a slight time lag in the arrival of the new packaging at retail stores due to the renewal process.

---

■ Key Pillars of the Strategic Renewal

Data-Driven Localized Design:

We developed packaging specifically for the Japanese market based on consumer preference surveys. The new design was adopted after receiving 47% support, compared to 26% for the previous design. We have expanded the product descriptions on the back of the packaging to deepen understanding in the information-sensitive Japanese market.

Offensive Strategy in the "Blue Ocean" Market:

With the fruit beer market showing steady growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%, and targeting the "sober curious" demographic, we are strategically positioning our 2% alcohol "Lemon Lager" and non-alcoholic line. We aim to attract new customers, particularly among younger generations and women.

Optimizing Retail Appeal:

The redesign of our 6-can packs enhances visual impact and "sizzle" at the point of sale. We aim to maximize purchase intent from brand awareness through to in-store and online shopping.

---

■ Global Recognition and ESG Management Initiatives

Bavaria has earned overwhelming acclaim for its product quality. Furthermore, our parent company, Royal Swinkels, has been awarded "Sustainable Brewery of the Year" for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. We place adaptation to a circular economy at the core of our management, including investments in energy transition and zero-emission initiatives at our own malt factories.

---

■ About Royal Swinkels

History: Since our founding in 1719, we have inherited exceptional brewing techniques for over 300 years. Today, we are a global leader operating in over 150 countries, producing approximately 770,000 kiloliters annually.

Family-Owned: The Swinkels family has steered the company since 1773, with the 7th generation currently serving on the board. Our strength lies in the long-term, future-oriented decision-making that comes from being one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Netherlands.