Japan: Beer and quasi-beer product sales volume up 1% in November

Volume sales of beer and quasi-beer products in Japan in November are estimated to have grown 1 pct from a year earlier, up for the second month in a row, according to data released by four major makers on December 12, nippon.com reported.

Of the total, beer sales rose 15 pct, following a tax cut in October. Sales of "happoshu" quasi-beer products jumped 24 pct, while those of third-segment beer-like beverages slid 25 pct, reflecting a tax hike in the same month.

Among the four makers, beer and quasi-beer sales by volume increased 11 pct at Sapporo Breweries Ltd., were flat at Suntory Spirits Ltd., and decreased 2 pct at Kirin Brewery Co. Asahi Breweries Ltd.'s sales grew 3 pct by value.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .