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.