Japan: Blistering summer heat provides long-awaited boost to beer sales

As blistering summer heat has arrived, breweries in Japan are increasing production while daily goods makers are examining output hikes for their antiperspirants, The Japan News reported on July 11.

At Tokyo-based supermarket chain Summit Inc., sales of beer in the week through July 3 surged by 20 percent from a year earlier, and those of ice cream and other ice products by 50 percent.

Summit’s flagship store in the Seijo district in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward has expanded its selling space for beer.

Moves to increase beer and quasi-beer production are spreading among major Japanese breweries.

Asahi Breweries Ltd. will boost the production of beer and quasi-beer products by 10 percent from a year before this month.

Suntory Beer Ltd. plans a 10 percent beer output increase for the two months through August. Production hikes are also planned by Kirin Brewery Co. and Sapporo Breweries Ltd.

In addition, production will be raised by 40 percent for Asahi Soft Drinks Co.’s Wilkinson carbonated water and by 30 percent for Kirin Beverage Co.’s Nama-cha green tea.

Last year, temperatures dropped from the middle of August and summer sales lost their vigor.

“We hope that the heat wave will continue throughout this summer,” a major beer firm official said.

11 July, 2016