Asahi Breweries’ Sales Down over 20 Pct in Dec.

Tokyo, Jan. 15 (Jiji Press)–Asahi Breweries Ltd. said Thursday that its sales dropped by over 20 pct last December from a year earlier, as the company was forced to cut shipments following a computer system glitch due to a cyberattack on its parent company in late September. Meanwhile, the combined sales volume of beer, “happoushu” quasi-beer and “third-segment” beer-like beverages at the other three major Japanese brewers–Sapporo Breweries Ltd., Suntory Spirits Ltd. and Kirin Brewery Co.–rose by 2 pct in December, according to an industry estimate. In volume, Sapporo’s sales of such beverages fell by 1 pct. Suntory’s sales increased by 6 pct. Kirin saw an 8 pct increase in sales value. The growth reflected higher demand at home and restaurants during the year-end and New Year holidays, industry officials said. In 2025, the combined sales volume of three brewers, excluding Asahi, fell by 3 pct from the previous year, according to the industry estimate. Sapporo and Suntory saw a 1 pct decline in sales volume, while Kirin’s sales were almost unchanged in value. Asahi did not disclose its cumulative results for 2025. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]