Japan: Sapporo beer sales to drop 1.7% in 2008

Japan's third- biggest brewer, Sapporo Holdings Ltd., announced it expects total beer sales to fall 1.7 percent in 2008, according Bloomberg.

Sapporo forecasts sales of 60.5 million cases this year, according to a statement released at a press conference in Tokyo January 9. A case of beer in Japan is equivalent to 12.66 liters (3.34 gallons).

Larger rival Asahi Breweries Ltd. Said January 8 its total beer sales were likely to fall 1.8 percent this year. Japan's brewers face falling sales as the population ages and younger consumers switch to wine and other beverages.

09 January, 2008