Japan, Tokyo: Combined domestic shipments of beer and "happoshu" low-malt beer by Japan's five major brewers fell 2.6% in November 2004 compared to November 2003, the fourth straight monthly fall, according to company statistics released on December 10. Beer and happoshu shipments by Kirin Brewery Co, Asahi Breweries Ltd, Sapporo Breweries Ltd, Suntory Ltd and Orion Breweries Ltd totaled 38.24 million cases. One case holds 12.66 liters, or the equivalent of 20 633-milliliter bottles.

During January-November 2004 Japanese breweries’ sales decreased 4.8% year-on-year to 436.29 million cases of beer and happoshu.

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