Oriental Brewery: The History and Diverse Portfolio of South Korea's Leading Brewer
Oriental Brewery, commonly known as OB, stands as a cornerstone of the South Korean beverage industry. As a major player in the production of both alcoholic and soft drinks, OB has shaped the drinking culture of the nation for decades. Currently a subsidiary of the global giant AB InBev, the company manages an extensive portfolio that ranges from household names like Cass to international favorites.
Key Facts
- Founded: 18 December 1933
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Parent Company: AB InBev
- Major Brands: Cass, OB, Cafri, and Budweiser
- Industry: Drink industry (Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks)
A Century of Brewing History
The origins of Oriental Brewery date back to 1933, when it was established by Showa Kirin Brewery (Kirin Company). Following its privatization in 1952, the company was managed by the Doosan Group. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw significant shifts in ownership and market positioning.
In 1998, the company was purchased by InBev. While it was briefly sold to an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in 2009 to help the parent company reduce debt, AB InBev exercised its right to repurchase the brewery in April 2014. This move reintegrated OB into the AB InBev family, solidifying its position within a global network of brewers.
A pivotal moment in OB's history occurred in 1999 when it acquired the Cass brand from Jinro-Coors. This acquisition allowed OB to rebuild the brand's market presence, eventually leading Cass to become South Korea's number one selling beer brand by 2011, overtaking its competitor, Hite.
The Diverse Product Portfolio
Oriental Brewery maintains a wide variety of styles to cater to different palates, from light lagers to complex ales.
The OB Brand Family
The OB line includes several distinct offerings:
- OB Golden Lager: A pale lager with 4.4% ABV. Originally brewed in 1948, the recipe was updated in 2003 to include rice.
- OB Light: A lighter version of the lager with 4.2% ABV.
- OB Premier Series: This includes Dunkel (Dunkel/Tmavý style), Pilsner (using German hops), and Weizen (German Hefeweizen style).
The Cass Brand Success
Cass is perhaps the most recognizable name in the OB portfolio. Its flagship, Cass Fresh Cold Brewed, is a pale-golden lager with 4.5% ABV. The brand has expanded significantly to include:
- Cass Light: A low-carb option with 4.0% ABV.
- Cass 2X: A lower-alcohol option at 2.9% ABV.
- Cass Red: A high-alcohol pale lager at 6.9% ABV.
- Cass Lemon: A refreshing variety containing natural lemon juice (6.9% ABV).
- Cass 0.0: The brand's non-alcoholic offering.
The brand gained international attention when British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay endorsed it, describing it as "not pretentious" and "easy" when paired with Korean cuisine.
Specialty and Global Brands
Beyond the mainstream, OB produces specialty items like Red Rock (an Amber Lager/Vienna Style) and Cafri, a very light beer (4.2% ABV) often sold in 330 ml bottles. Through its parent company, OB also manages global brands such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, Beck's, and Corona.
Company Financial and Operational Overview
As of 2019, Oriental Brewery demonstrated significant scale in the South Korean market. Below is a summary of the company's performance and structure during that period.
| Metric | Value (2019) |
|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,542,126,174,946 Won |
| Operating Income | 408,959,810,553 Won |
| Net Income | 274,319,564,612 Won |
| Total Assets | 3,091,787,640,376 Won |
| Number of Employees | 1,994 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Oriental Brewery?
Oriental Brewery is currently a subsidiary of the Belgian beer company AB InBev.
What is the most popular beer brand produced by OB?
Cass is one of the most prominent brands, having become South Korea's number one selling brand in 2011.
Does Oriental Brewery produce non-alcoholic options?
Yes, the company produces Cass 0.0, which is a non-alcoholic version of the Cass brand.
What is the difference between OB Golden Lager and OB Light?
OB Golden Lager has an alcohol content of 4.4% ABV, while OB Light is slightly lower at 4.2% ABV.
Is Cass a local Korean brand?
While originally brewed by Cass Brewery and later owned by Jinro-Coors, the brand was acquired by Oriental Brewery in 1999 and is now a core part of the OB portfolio.