Japan: Suntory will suspend sales of Premium Malt's beer sales

Suntory Ltd. announced on July 20 it will suspend sales of The Premium Malt's beer in 350-milliliter cans in Japan as output has failed to catch up with strong demand, Kyodo News posted. The company said it will expand production capacity before resuming sales in early August.

The Premium Malt's became the first Japanese beer to win the grand gold medal in the 44th Monde Selection international liquor and food contest in Brussels last month.

July's shipments are expected to double the planned level to 100,000 cases, Suntory said. One case holds 12.66 liters.

Suntory, which now produces The Premium Malt's at its brewery in Fuchu, Tokyo, said it will begin making the beer at a Gunma Prefecture brewery as well in late August.

20 July, 2005