The four major Japanese beer companies involved in price monopolies have all admitted to manipulating prices; The authorities searched their branches and employee residences.
In the price monopoly scandal involving multiple large beer companies, according to sources on October 9th, representatives of the four major beer companies admitted in an interview with the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) that they had discussed price issues. The Fair Trade Commission not only searched the headquarters of each company, but also its regional branches and employee residences. It is expected that further investigation will be conducted to determine whether the results of price adjustments have been implemented in various regions.
On October 7th, the Japan Fair Trade Commission conducted mandatory investigations into four large Japanese beer companies, Asahi Beer, Kirin Beer, Sapporo Beer, and Suntory. Four companies are suspected of pre negotiating the magnitude and timing of price increases for beer products, forming a price monopoly alliance and violating Japan's Anti Monopoly Law.
According to sources, after the monthly meetings of the beer brewer associations to which these four beer companies belong, the sales managers of each company hold a secret meeting to adjust the ex factory prices of beer products.
Previously, the sales representatives of these four companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area were criticized by wholesale customers, who said that "it's strange for all four beer companies to adjust prices at the same time". It is reported that the sales departments of various companies may be aware that this move is illegal, but they continue to discuss price adjustments.
On October 9th, Hiroshi Shimatsu, President of Sapporo Brewery and President of the Japan Brewers Association, stated in a media interview that he was "completely unaware" of the price adjustment.
The four major beer companies in Japan raised their ex factory prices in October 2022, citing rising raw material costs. They also adjusted prices in October 2023 and April 2025. Starting from October 1, 2026, due to the adjustment of Japan's alcohol tax, the tax rates for eoe beer and other alcoholic beverages will be unified, and they will also adjust the factory prices of their main products.
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