Asahi Breweries Sales Fall at Faster Pace in Nov.

Tokyo, Dec. 10 (Jiji Press)–Asahi Breweries Ltd. said Wednesday that its sales fell at a faster pace in November than in the previous month, as shipments were delayed following a computer system failure due to a cyberattack on its parent company in late September. Sales by Asahi Breweries dropped by over 20 pct year-on-year in November in value after falling by nearly 10 pct in the previous month as the company was forced to limit shipments of products for year-end gifts. The combined sales volume of beer, “happoshu” quasi-beer and “third-segment” beer-like beverages at three major Japanese brewers, excluding Asahi Breweries, fell 7 pct in November, according to an industry estimate. Sales of beer alone shrank 5 pct because of fewer shipment days than a year before, while those of happoshu and third-segment beverages each decreased 9 pct. “Purchases have continued to be restrained since price increases by the four major brewers in April,” an industry official said. Sapporo Breweries Ltd. saw sales of beer, happoshu and third-segment beverages fall 12 pct in volume after it had released a limited-edition beer a year earlier. Suntory Spirits Ltd.’s sales, also in volume, were down 6 pct. Sales at Kirin Brewery Co. grew 1 pct in value thanks to the releases of new and limited-edition products. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]