The antitrust authority searched the four brewers on suspicion that they agreed when and by how much to raise prices to wholesalers
The Japan Fair Trade Commission, the country's antitrust authority, searched the offices of Japan's four major brewers on Wednesday, October 7: Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery Company, Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits, companies of the Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory groups. The suspicion is of a cartel to raise beer prices, a possible violation of Japan's antimonopoly law.
According to Just Drinks, which cites sources quoted by public broadcaster NHK, the companies allegedly agreed on when and by how much to adjust the prices charged to wholesalers. The investigation focuses in particular on the increases of October 2022 and April 2025, which all four announced citing the cost of raw materials, energy and transportation, according to the BBC. Also according to NHK's sources, section-chief-level employees allegedly met to coordinate prices, and the talks also covered so-called beer-like beverages. The Brewers Association of Japan, which groups the four, has also been drawn into the investigation, according to Nikkei Asia.
The commission's secretary general, Iwanari Hiroo, confirmed to local media that an investigation was under way but said he would not comment on the details because the inquiry is at a preliminary stage, according to the BBC.
All four said they will cooperate. Kirin said its subsidiary was searched on suspicion of violating the antimonopoly law and that the effect on its results has not yet been determined; Asahi also said the financial impact is not yet determined, and Sapporo said it is unclear. Suntory apologized to customers and partners for the concern caused, according to Just Drinks.
Shares of Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo fell in Tokyo after the news; Suntory's beer business is not publicly traded. The BBC notes that in June the same commission opened a cartel investigation into ice cream makers such as Meiji and Ezaki Glico. In Brazil, Suntory appears in the Bebidário catalog with spirits such as Suntory Whisky Toki and Roku Gin, products that are not part of the investigation.
Sources: Just Drinks (October 7, 2026), BBC (October 8, 2026).
