UTAGE BREWING, operated by Beer the First Co., Ltd. (President: Kinichi Sakamoto), has developed two upcycled craft beers through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's open innovation program "TiB Catapult (Sustainable AgriTech & FoodTech Cluster)." In collaboration with Meiji Co., Ltd. (President: Bunjiro Yao), they created WHITE BREW* using SNF raw material (skim milk powder) from dairy production, and in partnership with Onisi Foods Co., Ltd. (President: Shinsuke Ichikawa), they developed RICE ALE using scraps from alpha rice manufacturing.
These products will be available from March 2026, with advance sales at Seijo Ishii stores. The initiative aims to establish sustainable craft beer not as a temporary novelty but as a part of everyday meals and lifestyles.
*WHITE BREW is classified as happoshu (low-malt beer) due to the secondary ingredients used.
Co-Creation Through Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Startup Support
This initiative began through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's open innovation program "TiB Catapult (Sustainable AgriTech & FoodTech Cluster)." Beer the First was selected for two themes: "Upcycled Craft Beer Using SNF Raw Material (Skim Milk Powder)" with Meiji Co., Ltd., and "Upcycled Craft Beer Using Alpha Rice Scraps" with Onisi Foods Co., Ltd. This co-creation project started as a social implementation of new possibilities for unused food materials through craft beer.
Product Details: WHITE BREW and RICE ALE
Distributor: Beer the First Co., Ltd. (https://beerthefirst.com)
Launch Date: March 2026
Sales Locations: (Advance sales) Seijo Ishii* *Limited stores only
After the advance sales period, nationwide retail stores and EC sites will gradually begin carrying the products.
Those interested in carrying the products should contact Beer the First Co., Ltd.
*Contact information is listed at the bottom of this release.
Product Characteristics
WHITE BREW is a wheat-type craft beer featuring Meiji Co., Ltd.'s dairy ingredients with a mild, approachable flavor. Its gentle mouthfeel makes it perfect for relaxation time. Recommended pairings include cheese and sausage.
RICE ALE is a rice ale that emphasizes rice-derived lightness, making it easy to drink smoothly. This upcycled craft beer utilizes scraps from Onisi Foods Co., Ltd.'s alpha rice production process. Its crisp aftertaste provides a refreshing experience. Recommended pairings include rice crackers and nuts.
New Product Announcement Event
From left: Kinichi Sakamoto, President of Beer the First; Yuka Tokui, Business Development Group, Innovation Business Strategy Department, Corporate Planning Division, Meiji Co., Ltd.; Masahiko Kurita, Director and General Manager of Sales Division, Onisi Foods Co., Ltd.
WHITE BREW and RICE ALE were unveiled at the "1st Sustainable Gastronomy Award," which recognized the implementation of "sustainable food culture" on "Food Day (2.10)"
Date: February 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
Location: Otemachi Building, 9th Floor, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
UTAGE BREWING (Beer the First Co., Ltd.)
UTAGE BREWING is a brewery brand operated by Beer the First Co., Ltd.
In August 2023, Beer the First Co., Ltd. launched a new brewery brand to further pursue sustainable craft beer. UTAGE BREWING creates delicious and enjoyable craft beers that raise awareness about food loss issues. Experience the unique flavors and stories that only upcycled craft beer can offer.
Representative: President Kinichi Sakamoto
Head Office: 2-5-4-403 Jindaiji, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Online Store: https://utagebrewing.com
Website: https://beerthefirst.com
Press and Product Inquiries:
Beer the First Co., Ltd., PR Contact: Daisuke Yamakawa TEL: 080-4765-1508
