Japan: Brewers suspend production in Hokkaido due to power failures following earthquake

Beer production at breweries in Hokkaido was halted due to major power failures following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that jolted through the northern part of Japan last week, The Drinks Business reported on September 14.

Affected breweries included Sapporo Breweries Ltd’s Hokkaido factory in Eniwa, whose beers include the popular ‘Black Label’, and Kirin Brewery’s factory in Chistose, as well as Asahi Breweries Ltd’s factory in Sapporo, according to The Yomiuri Shimbun.

Hokkaido is also home to a few wineries such as Domaine Takahiko, and the country’s famous Grace Winery also has a wine operation in the region. But to what extent the local wineries are affected is not known at the moment.

Automobile manufactures including Toyota Motor Hokkaido Inc. and Aisin Hokkaido Co have also suspended production after the quake.

The deadly earthquake that struck Hokkaido on 6 September has already killed 41 people, injuring close to 700 people, according to the Japan Times.

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