Japan: Asahi Breweries expects its domestic beer sales to increase by 3.4 % in 2006

Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japanese largest beer manufacture, announced on January 12 it expects its domestic beer sales to increase by 3.4 % in 2006. The rise will be helped by new, low-priced "third-type" beer, according to Reuters.

The brewer, known for its flagship "Super Dry" beer, said it aimed for overall beer sales -- including beer, low-malt "happoshu" brews and third-type beer-like drinks made from hops and bean protein -- in Japan of 200 million cases in 2006. One case is equivalent to 12.66 litres.

13 January, 2006