New Belgium’s Parent Company Ends Partnership with Myanmar’s Military: A Step Towards Accountability

In a significant turn of events, Kirin Holdings, the Japanese beverage conglomerate that owns New Belgium Brewery among others, is severing its ties with Myanmar’s military following persistent pressures and a recent coup. This development underscores the impact that consumer action can have in the arena of corporate responsibility and ethical business practices.

The Background of the Issue

Last week, Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup, just one year after facing international condemnation for committing genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Kirin, formerly a co-owner of Myanmar Brewery—a partnership with the military that was heavily criticized—has now responded to the outcry by deciding to end its operations in the region. The pressure to dissolve these partnerships has been mounting for years, particularly after the United Nations urged a boycott of enterprises like Kirin that were linked to the military in 2019.

As reported by the International Court of Justice, the military was found to have violated the Genocide Convention in 2020, which further solidified the call for action against companies profiting from these atrocities. Prior to Kirin’s announcement, details about their partnership’s implications were widely circulated, and advocacy groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, were vocal in their demands for a boycott.

Why Boycotts Matter

The choice of consumers to boycott New Belgium and other Kirin brands has played a crucial role in this outcome. Though the coup was a pivotal moment, the backlash regarding Kirin’s involvement with the imperiled military had already begun to influence its corporate strategies. The scrutiny cast upon Kirin led them to request essential financial records from the military’s business entity to trace where profits were being funneled—especially concerning allegations that Myanmar Beer’s earnings were supporting military operations that contributed to genocide.

When the military rebuffed these requests, it painted an even grimmer picture of the partnership. Kirin subsequently commissioned an independent audit, which, due to the military’s lack of cooperation, could not provide clear insights. This lack of compliance and transparency likely contributed to Kirin’s recent decision just days before the coup.

This situation serves as a reminder of the power of consumer choice. While the notion of boycotting every entity tied to unethical practices may seem daunting—leading to isolation in the wilderness, perhaps—it is vital to be aware and take action when possible. Collective consumer behavior can, and does, create tangible change over