Major Japanese beer companies raided over accusations of cartelisation

Sapporo Breweries

07/10/2026 04:26

       TOKYO, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Japan's Fair Trade Commission
raided the country's four major beer makers on Wednesday on
suspicion of cartelisation in sales of beer and other products
to wholesalers, the companies said.
    * The companies are Kirin Holdings Co  2503.T , Asahi Group
Holdings  2502.T , Sapporo Holdings  2501.T  and Suntory
Holdings. All four companies separately confirmed the raids and
said they intend to cooperate with the investigation.
    * The companies are suspected of coordinating prices over
several years, public broadcaster NHK said.
    * The Fair Trade Commission is expected to continue its
investigation and could file a criminal complaint, NHK added.
    * Shares fell on the news, with Kirin shedding 2.31% to its
lowest level in more than three months by the end of the morning
session, while Sapporo lost 1.97% and Asahi fell 1.54%.


    (Reporting by Kentaro Okasaka; Editing by Muralikumar
Anantharaman)