Japan Beer, Quasi-Beer Sales Down 11 Pct in Feb.

Tokyo, March 11 (Jiji Press)–Sales of beer and quasi-beer products in Japan shrank by 11 pct from a year earlier in February, estimates based on four major brewers’ data showed Wednesday. The decline in sales volume came after the year-before rise due to a last-minute demand spike ahead of industry-wide price hikes. Another negative factor was heavy snowfalls in some regions, which led many people to refrain from going out. In February, sales fell 12 pct from a year before for beer and beer-like drinks for household use and 8 pct for commercial use. An industry official said that sales for commercial use were sluggish especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area, possibly reflecting a decrease in Chinese tourists. By product, sales declined 5 pct for beer, 12 pct for “happoushu” quasi beer and 20 pct for so-called third segment beer-like beverages. By maker, Suntory Spirits Ltd.’s overall sales were down 11 pct in volume, even though its revamped “Suntory Nama Beer” fared well. Sapporo Breweries Ltd. saw its sales volume fall 8 pct. Sales in value at Kirin Brewery Co. and Asahi Breweries Ltd. slid 2 pct and 9 pct, respectively. Asahi’s business operations were disrupted by a computer system glitch due to a cyberattack on its parent company that was confirmed last September. This had affected the compilation of four-company estimates. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]