Japan Fair Trade Commission raids Asahi and Kirin over alleged beer price-fixing
Japan's competition regulator searched the premises of Asahi and Kirin over suspected price-fixing; reports say Sapporo and Suntory were also raided.
Key facts
- Asahi and Kirin confirmed their premises were searched by the Japan Fair Trade Commission.
- Reports say Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits were also raided; both firms have been contacted for comment.
- Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo share prices fell after news of the investigation broke on 7 October, the BBC reported.
- According to the Japan Times, the investigation centres on price increases in April 2025 and October 2022.
- The Japan Fair Trade Commission has been contacted for comment.
Japanese officials have raided the country's biggest beer makers over allegations they worked together to raise their prices, a practice known as price-fixing, the BBC reported on 7 October. Asahi and Kirin confirmed to the BBC that their premises had been searched by the Japan Fair Trade Commission, adding that they would fully cooperate with the government authority. Reports say Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits were also raided; both firms have been contacted for comment.
Kirin Holdings said its subsidiary, Kirin Brewery Company, was searched "on suspicion of a violation of the Antimonopoly Act". It said it takes the matter "very seriously" and would "fully cooperate with the Japan Fair Trade Commission's investigation and any requests for cooperation". Kirin said: "At present, the impact of this matter on the company's financial results has not been determined. The company will promptly disclose any material developments as they arise."
Asahi Breweries said it was "subject to investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission regarding a suspected violation of the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade". The Japan Fair Trade Commission has been contacted for comment.
Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo all saw their share prices fall after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday, 7 October, according to the BBC. Suntory is not publicly listed.
According to the Japan Times, the investigation centres on the companies raising their prices in April 2025 and in October 2022. All four companies announced increases, citing the rising cost of raw materials as well as other factors such as energy and transportation.
Context
The Japan Fair Trade Commission is the Japanese government authority that investigates suspected violations of the Antimonopoly Act, the law cited in statements from Kirin and Asahi. According to the BBC, all four companies — Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory — had announced price increases, citing the rising cost of raw materials as well as energy and transportation.
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