Japan: Beer, quasi-beer sales down 32% in October

Sales of beer and quasi-beer beverages in Japan fell 32% in October from a year before after surging in September ahead of price hikes on Oct. 1, estimates from Kirin Brewery and others showed.

October marked the first decrease in beer and quasi-beer sales in three months. Sales decreased about 30% both for household consumption and for restaurants and bars.

By maker, sales volume was down 35% at Sapporo Breweries and 33% at Kirin. In value, sales by Asahi Breweries declined 29%.

Suntory saw beer sales rise year on year, thanks to an over twofold increase in sales of its Perfect Suntory Beer. The company renewed the product while keeping the price unchanged for the canned version.

Sales of the canned version of Kirin’s Spring Valley beer product rose more than 40%.

12 November, 2022