Japan Raids Four Biggest Brewers Over Suspected Beer Price-Fixing

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has conducted on-site inspections at the country's four largest beer makers. The probe targets Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery, Sapporo Breweries and Suntory, which together account for roughly 90% of the Japanese beer market.

Suspected price coordination

The commission is examining allegations of a wholesale beer price cartel, a source who asked to remain anonymous told AFP. According to the source, price coordination most likely took place over the past several years. During that time, representatives of the four companies allegedly met from time to time to discuss prices and the timing of increases.

Local media have reported that the producers have raised beer prices several times in recent years, citing higher raw material and logistics costs.

Companies' response

All four companies confirmed they are under investigation and said they intend to cooperate fully. In its statement, Suntory said the commission was carrying out an on-site inspection over suspected violations of the antimonopoly law in connection with alcohol sales activities.

A similar earlier case

Earlier this year, the commission carried out a comparable cartel investigation into the country's six largest ice cream makers. They are alleged to have coordinated price increases for years, going beyond what rising raw material costs could justify.