South Korea's single malt whiskey seeps into Japan with Itochu's help

Up-and-coming imports seen reaching record high with rapid growth

20241231N Korean whiskey

Ki One whiskies from South Korean craft distiller Three Societies have won awards in global competitions. (Photo by Shin Watanabe) 

SHIN WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Whiskey from South Korea is making inroads into Japan, with major trading group Itochu's food wholesaler unit importing South Korea's first single malt brand.

Whiskey imports from South Korea into Japan, a nascent industry that did not exist just a few years ago, are expected to reach a record high in 2024, at a time when exports from Japan to the neighboring market are also on the rise.

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