Japan: Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan's largest beer maker, has recently announced they have sold 189.23 million litres (14.95 million cases) of beer and happoshu (low-malt beer) during March 2005, a 12.2% decrease versus March 2004. During March this year Asahi Breweries sold 136.45 million litres (10.79 million cases) of beer (-4.2%) and 52.78 million litres (4.17 million cases) of happoshu (-27.7%). Sales of its flagship beer brand "Super Dry" decreased 5.8% in March 2005 compared to March last year.

In January-March 2005 Asahi Breweries shipped 428.70 million litres (33.86 million cases) of beer and happoshu (low-malt beer), a 13.5% decrease versus the same period last year. During January-March this year Asahi Breweries sold 301.58 million litres (23.82 million cases) of beer and 127.13 million litres (10.04 million cases) of happoshu.

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