Beer, quasi-beer shipments down in August

Thursday 11th September, 05:05 AM JST

TOKYO —

Japan’s beer and quasi-beer shipments fell 8.8% in August from a year earlier to their lowest level for the month, data from brewers showed Wednesday. Shipments marked the first decrease in two months to 45,415,000 cases due to unfavorable weather conditions, though August is usually the month of strongest demand. One case contains the equivalent of 20 633-milliliter bottles.

By category, shipments of so-called third-category beer-like drinks, which have little or no malt content, climbed 16.4% to 11,005,000 cases, lifting their market share to 24.2% amid consumer preference for low-priced products. In contrast, shipments of beer fell 14.6%, while those of “happoshu” low-malt beer-like beverages dropped 14.8%. By maker, Suntory saw larger shipments ahead of its price increase in September. Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery and Sapporo Breweries all saw their shipments decreasing.

JCN

6 Comments

presto345 at 07:16 PM JST - 11th September

Huh? Unfavorable weather conditions? I thought August this year was one of the hottest on record. It was too hot to drink beer perhaps?
cleo at 11:13 PM JST - 11th September

'Unfavourable weather conditions' probably refers to the squall-like rains that seemed to appear regular as clockwork just as people would be leaving the office and heading for the open-air beer garden, sending them scuttling for the station and home instead.
USB at 12:15 AM JST - 12th September

definitely not my fault
USB at 12:18 AM JST - 12th September

might have something to do with the fact that they raised prices and a 24 case is close to 5000 yen. Just got back from the states where you can get a case of unbelievable craft brewed ale for less than have that.
ColAmerica at 12:22 AM JST - 12th September

USB, Japanese beer prices are a joke buddy.

Costco is much cheaper, they had some decent US and European beers for approx 30% cheaper than Japanese beer.

maybe beer would sell better if discount stores were in Japan, offering real discounts , not 10 Yen dicount occasionally.
Nessie at 12:49 AM JST - 12th September

maybe beer would sell better if discount stores were in Japan, offering real discounts , not 10 Yen dicount occasionally.

File under "B," for "Be careful what you wish for."