Premium Japanese Lager Orion Launches Exclusively into Waitrose

Orion Premium Lager is set for its first national retail rollout across 49 Waitrose stores in England, Wales and Guernsey.

This is a significant milestone for one of Japan’s more celebrated beer brands, which is distributed by independent brewing group Sunrise Beverages.

The rollout will see Orion Premium Lager in a 4 x 330ml can multipack available in 49 Waitrose stores. The listing further strengthens Waitrose’s premium world lager offering and reflects growing consumer demand for authentic Japanese food and drink experiences at home.

Born in Okinawa, Japan, Orion is a crisp, premium lager known for its light-bodied character, clean finish and exceptional drinkability. With an ABV of 5.0%, the beer offers cereal notes, gentle malt sweetness and low bitterness, making it an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of Asian dishes.

“We are delighted to bring Orion to Waitrose customers across the UK,” says Richard Mather, CEO at Sunrise Beverages, the independent UK brewing group that owns the license to Orion in the UK and Europe. “Japanese food and drink continues to be an exciting growth area within premium retail, and Orion’s premium lager offers consumers an authentic taste of Okinawa. Its refreshing, easy-drinking profile makes it perfectly suited to both everyday occasions and premium dining experiences at home.”

Founded in 1957, Orion has become one of Japan’s most recognised beer brands and captures the soulful, fresh, island energy of Okinawan culture. Crafted using high-quality malt, selected hops, and local Okinawan spring water, the lager has built a loyal following in Japan and internationally. In the current market, Orion is growing quicker than core Japanese competitor beer brands.

Orion Premium Lager will be available as part of Waitrose’s “when it’s gone it’s gone” (WIGIG) initiative, which introduces shoppers to exciting limited-edition products for a fixed period. Available until 1st September, the listing gives consumers the opportunity to discover Orion’s premium lager while stocks last (RRP £5.85).

Orion is part of Sunrise Beverages, a fast-growing, independent UK drinks group that owns and nurtures a portfolio of authentic premium beer brands, including Efes, Portobello, St Peter's Brewery, Gipsy Hill, and Curious Brewery.