E-Malt.com News article: Japan: Asahi’s January beer sales fall 11% on lingering impact of last year's cyberattack

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. said on February 12 that its sales of beer and beer-like beverages in January fell 11 percent on a value basis from a year earlier on the lingering impact of a system failure caused by a cyberattack last year.

Although the Japanese beverage giant has resumed its online order-taking system, shipments of all products have yet to restart, the company said.

Other than alcoholic beverages, sales volume at Asahi Soft Drinks Co., which deals with soft drinks including "Mitsuya Cider" carbonated drink, dropped 16 percent.

Estimated sales at Asahi Group Foods Ltd., which handles food items and powdered milk, were slightly higher than the previous year.

Asahi Group Holdings said its logistics operations have largely returned to normal this month, recovering to pre-September cyberattack levels. Shipments of all products have resumed at Asahi Soft Drinks and Asahi Group Foods, while full shipments at Asahi Breweries Ltd. are expected to restart in April.

Among Japan's three major brewers excluding Asahi - Kirin Brewery Co., Sapporo Breweries Ltd. and Suntory Spirits Ltd. - Kirin and Sapporo reported increased sales of beer and beer-like beverages, indicating alternative demand for Asahi products.

Kirin's sales increased by 8 percent in value, driven by robust demand for its brands, including "Ichiban." Sales were also driven by the promotion of its "Harekaze" beer.

Meanwhile, Sapporo saw a 5 percent gain in volume thanks to its "Black Label" brand of beer. Sales volume at Suntory, however, declined 2 percent.


12 February, 2026