The Fair Trade Commission searched Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory on suspicion they coordinated beer and beer-like drink price rises. The companies said they would cooperate.
Japan's Fair Trade Commission searched the offices of Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery, Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits on Wednesday on suspicion of an antitrust violation over beer prices, Nikkei Asia reported, citing Kyodo and a person familiar with the matter. Nikkei said it was the commission's first compulsory food-and-drink investigation of this kind.
The four firms, which hold large market shares, are alleged to have had sales staff meet over a long period to exchange information and to coordinate the timing and size of price rises on beer, happoshu and cheaper third-category drinks. Nikkei said the commission may consider a criminal complaint. The National Tax Agency figure it cited put 2024 domestic sales of beer and low-malt beer at about 1.6 trillion yen.
The companies raised prices in October 2022, October 2023 and April 2025, citing raw materials and energy. Asahi and Kirin confirmed searches to the BBC and said they would cooperate. Kirin Holdings said its brewery subsidiary was searched on suspicion of an Antimonopoly Act violation and that it took the matter seriously. Suntory is not listed. Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo shares fell after the news, the BBC reported.
The raids are an investigation, not a finding. No charges were announced on Wednesday.
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- Kirin said it took the search very seriously and would cooperate fully.
- Asahi told the BBC it would cooperate with the Fair Trade Commission.