Japan Beer, Quasi-Beer Sales Down 29 Pct in March

Tokyo, April 10 (Jiji Press)–Sales of beer and quasi-beer products in Japan in March fell an estimated 29 pct from a year earlier in volume terms, according to data released by four major brewers Friday. The slump came after a year-before rise that reflected a last-minute demand surge ahead of industry-wide price hikes that took effect in April 2025. Last month, beer and quasi-beer sales declined 31 pct for household consumption and 23 pct for commercial use. By product type, sales of beer fell 23 pct, and those of “happoshu” quasi-beer products dropped 28 pct. Sales of “third-segment” beer-like alcoholic beverages declined a steeper 41 pct, as they are relatively inexpensive and sensitive to price changes. By brewer, overall volume-based sales for Suntory Spirits Ltd. fell 28 pct, and Sapporo Breweries Ltd. logged a 26 pct drop. In value terms, sales at Kirin Brewery Co. skidded 29 pct. Asahi Breweries Ltd. posted a 23 pct fall despite the launch of new products. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]