Japan watchdog raids Asahi, Kirin and Suntory over alleged beer price-fixing cartel

On October 7, Japan's Fair Trade Commission searched Asahi, Kirin, Suntory Spirits and reportedly Sapporo over suspected coordinated beer price hikes. Investigators are examining increases in October 2022 and April 2025 that the brewers attributed to higher raw material, energy and transport costs.

• JFTC raided Asahi, Kirin, Suntory Spirits and reportedly Sapporo
• Investigation covers price hikes in October 2022 and April 2025
• Companies cited higher raw material, energy and transport costs
• Kirin and Suntory said they will fully cooperate with the probe