E-Malt.com News article: Japan: Japan's anti-trust watchdog raids four major brewers in price cartel probe

Japan's anti-trust body has searched the offices of four local brewing giants including Asahi and Sapporo, over allegations they breached the country's competition rules.

A report from local public broadcaster NHK World Japan said on October 7 offices were raided by the country's Fair Trade Commission on suspicion the brewers, which also include Kirin and Suntory Holdings, established a cartel to raise beer prices.

The four brewers' subsidiaries Suntory Spirits, Sapporo Breweries, Asahi Breweries and Kirin Brewery Company were the subject of the FTC's on-site investigations.

According to NHK World Japan, sources have said the companies are suspected of working together on when to raise beer prices and by how much in sales to wholesalers.

The four businesses raised prices in Japan in October 2022 and April 2025, citing elements such as rising costs of raw materials, the public broadcaster reported.

Kirin, Suntory, Asahi and Sapporo are all members of the Brewers Association of Japan. NHK Japan also reported that, according to sources, "section-chief-level officials had allegedly met to coordinate around prices and that "beer-like" beverages were included in those discussions.

According to financial news outlet Nikkei Asia, the Brewers Association has also been part of the FTC's probe. Just Drinks approached the association for comment outside of Japanese working hours today.

In separate stock exchange filings, Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo each publicly confirmed their subsidiaries are part of the investigation. Suntory also confirmed the probe in a statement sent to Just Drinks.

They each said the investigation concerned a suspected or "potential" violation of Japan's antimonopoly law - the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade.

Sapporo's statement also noted the investigation was "regarding transactions of alcoholic beverages, etc. (unfair trade restrictions on the selling price of alcoholic beverages by four major alcoholic beverage manufacturers)".

Asahi said the expected impact on its financial results at this stage had "not been determined", while Sapporo said it "is unclear".

A filing from Kirin also said: "We take the fact that our subsidiary was searched very seriously."

The four companies each said they would cooperate with the government agency.

Suntory also said: "We sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience this situation may cause to our customers, business partners, and other stakeholders."


07 October, 2026