Japan: Kirin raises sales target of alcohol-free 'Kirin Free' beer for 2010

Kirin Brewery Co. said it has raised its sales target for 2010 of ''Kirin Free,'' a malty-tasting beverage with no alcohol, to 5.1 million cases, up around 20% from the previous target of 4.3 million cases, due to stronger-than-expected sales, Kyodo News International informed on August 13.

High temperatures across the nation coupled with the beverage's growing recognition and popularity among drivers are contributing to robust sales of alcohol-free beer-flavored beverages, analysts said.

Suntory Liquors Ltd., meanwhile, has temporarily halted sales of its non-alcoholic beer-flavored beverage ''All-Free,'' launched earlier this month, as production has been unable to keep up with demand.

Each case is equivalent to 20 633-milliliter bottles.

13 August, 2010