Japan's Beer, Quasi-Beer Sales Fall 3 Pct in 2024

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--Sales of beer and quasi-beer products in Japan fell by about 3 pct in 2024 from the previous year, marking their second consecutive yearly fall, estimates from four major brewers showed Thursday.

The decline was driven by falling sales of beer-like "third-segment" alcoholic beverages and "happoshu" low-malt quasi-beer products due to liquor tax revisions in October 2023 and higher prices.

Beer sales rose 5 pct thanks to bullish demand from restaurants and a tax reduction. The share of beer in overall beer and quasi-beer sales rose above 55 pct for the first time in 17 years.

In volume, sales by Suntory Spirits Ltd. dipped 3 pct and those by Kirin Breweries Co. fell 2 pct, while sales by Sapporo Breweries Ltd. were flat. In value, sales by Asahi Breweries Ltd. declined 3 pct.

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