Japan: Beer, quasi-beer sales shrink by 11% in February

Sales of beer and quasi-beer products in Japan shrank by 11 pct from a year earlier in February, estimates based on four major brewers' data showed on March 11.

The decline in sales volume came after the year-before rise due to a last-minute demand spike ahead of industry-wide price hikes. Another negative factor was heavy snowfalls in some regions, which led many people to refrain from going out.

In February, sales fell 12 pct from a year before for beer and beer-like drinks for household use and 8 pct for commercial use.

An industry official said that sales for commercial use were sluggish especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area, possibly reflecting a decrease in Chinese tourists.

By product, sales declined 5 pct for beer, 12 pct for "happoushu" quasi beer and 20 pct for so-called third segment beer-like beverages.

12 March, 2026