Japan: Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan's largest beer maker, has recently announced they have sold 141.34 million litres (11.17 million cases) of beer and happoshu (low-malt beer) during February 2005, a 2.8% decrease versus February 2004. During February this year Asahi Breweries sold 90.17 million litres (7.12 million cases) of beer (-12.1%) and 51.17 million litres (4.04 million cases) of happoshu (+19.1%). Sales of its flagship beer brand "Super Dry" decreased 13% in February compared to February last year.

In January-February 2005 Asahi Breweries shipped 239.47 million litres (18.92 million cases) of beer and happoshu (low-malt beer), a 14.6% decrease versus the same period last year. During January-February this year Asahi Breweries sold 165.12 million litres (13.04 million cases) of beer and 74.35 million litres (5.87 million cases) of happoshu.

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