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Thu, 08 Oct 2026

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 Japan beer giants raided over alleged price-fixing cartel

Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin and Suntory confirmed to the BBC that their premises had been searched by the Japanese competition authority.
Japan's largest beer manufacturers have been raided by officials from the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) over allegations that they colluded to raise prices on their products. Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin, and Suntory Spirits confirmed that their premises were searched and stated that they will cooperate fully with the investigation. The four companies dominate the Japanese beer market and had increased their prices in April last year and October 2022, citing rising costs of raw materials, energy, and transportation. However, the JFTC is investigating whether the price hikes were a result of an agreement among the companies to fix prices. Kirin Holdings stated that its subsidiary, Kirin Brewery Company, was searched on suspicion of violating Japan's Antimonopoly Act. The company said it takes the matter seriously and will cooperate with the investigation. Suntory Spirits also confirmed that they had been inspected in connection with a potential violation of the act. Asahi said that it is subject to investigation by the JFTC and will fully cooperate with the regulator. This comes after an investigation into alleged cartel activity among Japan's largest ice cream makers was concluded in June. The companies' shares fell on Wednesday following news of the investigation, with Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo experiencing a decline in their stock prices. The impact of the matter on the companies' financial results is still unknown.