Japan beer giants raided over suspicions they colluded to set the price of beverages

Japanese authorities have raided the offices of the country's four largest breweries – Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo – over suspicions of colluding to set beverage prices. These companies collectively control over 90% of Japan's beer market. The Fair Trade Commission is investigating whether these breweries violated anti-monopoly laws by coordinating price increases, potentially leading consumers to pay higher prices. Media reports suggest that sales managers may have met secretly to agree on the timing and scale of these hikes, which have occurred multiple times in recent years, citing rising costs. The investigation is considered serious due to its potential impact on consumers, and could result in criminal complaints. Shares of the raided companies saw a decline following the news.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has raided the premises of major beer manufacturers Asahi and Kirin, with reports indicating Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits were also targeted. The investigation centers on allegations that these companies engaged in a price-fixing cartel to raise the prices of their beverages. The price increases in question reportedly occurred in April of last year and October 2022. All four companies had cited rising costs of raw materials, energy, and transportation as reasons for their price hikes. Asahi and Kirin have confirmed the searches and stated they will fully cooperate with the authorities. Following the news, the share prices of Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo saw a decline.