Japan: Beer exports hit lowest record since 1992 between January-September 2006

Reports cited October 23 the Brewery Association of Japan according to which beer exports between during the first 3 quarters of 2006 stood at 40.95 million cases of 20 beer bottles each, 4.7% less year-on-year, including the shipments of low-malt happoshu. Analysts say the decline is the most abrupt since 1992 and was driven by bad weather and anti-drink initiatives.

Among the domestic beer producers, Kirin Brewery Co was in control of 38% of the national beer market between January and September 2006. It was closely fallowed by its main competitor Asahi Breweries which earned a 37.3% stake in the domestic beer market during the first three quarters of 2006.

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