Japan’s competition regulator searched the offices of the country’s four largest brewers on Wednesday as it investigates whether they coordinated the prices of beer and other alcoholic products sold to wholesalers.
The Fair Trade Commission’s action covered Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery, Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits, Reuters reported. Together, the four companies’ beer businesses account for more than 90% of Japan’s domestic market.
What investigators are examining
The investigation is looking at whether the brewers coordinated price increases over several years. Reuters, citing public broadcaster NHK, reported that investigators are examining increases in October 2022 and April 2025, when the companies pointed to higher costs for materials.
The Japan Times reported that the compulsory investigations allow searches and seizures under court warrants. The newspaper said investigators are also examining reports that sales executives met after monthly Brewers Association of Japan meetings to discuss the timing and scale of price increases.