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Suntory controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2026

    Japan Fair Trade Commission raids major beer makers including Asahi and Kirin over alleged price-fixing cartel

    Investigation

    Japanese competition authorities raided the country's biggest beer makers over allegations that they worked together to raise beverage prices. Asahi and Kirin confirmed that the Japan Fair Trade Commission searched their premises; reports say Sapporo Breweries and Suntory Spirits were also raided. Kirin Holdings said its subsidiary Kirin Brewery Company was searched on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act, and Asahi Breweries confirmed it is subject to investigation over a suspected violation of Japan's antitrust legislation. The investigation reportedly centres on price increases announced in April 2025 and October 2022, which the companies attributed to rising raw material, energy and transportation costs. Shares of Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo fell after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Asahi and Kirin said they would fully cooperate with the commission.

    Company response

    • Clarification — Asahi Breweries

      Asahi Breweries said it was "subject to investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission regarding a suspected violation of the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade". It added: "We will fully cooperate with the commission."

    • Clarification — Kirin Holdings

      Kirin Holdings said its subsidiary, Kirin Brewery Company, was searched "on suspicion of a violation of the Antimonopoly Act". It said it takes the matter "very seriously", adding it would "fully cooperate with the Japan Fair Trade Commission's investigation and any requests for cooperation".

    • Ongoing disclosure — Kirin Holdings

      The company will promptly disclose any material developments as they arise.

    Source excerpt

    • Asahi Breweries said it was "subject to investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission regarding a suspected violation of the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade".
    • Asahi and Kirin confirmed to the BBC their premises had been searched by the Japan Fair Trade Commission, adding that they would fully cooperate with the government authority.
    • Kirin Holdings said its subsidiary, Kirin Brewery Company, was searched "on suspicion of a violation of the Antimonopoly Act".
    Source