Japan: Kirin Brewery to raise prices of some of its beers and other products

Kirin Brewery Co. said on November 28 that it will raise the prices of some of its food service-use beer and quasi-beer, and liquor products, starting with shipments on April 1, 2018, The Japan News reported.

The price hike, the first in some 10 years for the Kirin Holdings Co. unit, reflects rising distribution costs and a liquor tax law revision. The amended law, which took effect in June, prohibits sales of alcoholic beverages at excessively low prices.

The hike will affect some of Kirin’s barreled and bottled beer, “happoshu” low-malt quasi-beer and so-called third-segment beer-like drinks, and liquor-based beverages for restaurants.

Prices of bottled beer products for liquor shops will also be raised. Retail prices of large bottled beer are expected to rise by some 10 percent.

Meanwhile, Kirin will keep the prices of its canned products unchanged.

Among rivals, Asahi Breweries Ltd. and Suntory Holdings Ltd. earlier announced their plans to conduct price hikes next spring.

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