Japan and Russia: Russian demand for Japanese beer, which contains less alcohol than vodka, has been growing sharply, according to Asia in Focus. Sapporo Breweries, whose Russia-bound shipments jumped 260 % to some 19,000 cases last year, plans to boost Russian shipments by 60 % to about 30,000 cases this year. Kirin Brewery's 2004 exports to Russia leapt by 70 % with the firm forecasting a further 50 % jump this year. Asahi Breweries sold 100,000 cases in Russia last year, with its 2005 Russian sales set to rise 20 % to 120,000. The growth is attributed to a trend towards a healthier lifestyle in Russia.

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