Japan: Kirin ramping up beer output as ‘unprecedented’ heat wave continues in Japan

As Japan’s “unprecedented“ heat wave continues to blanket the country, sales of summer essentials such as beer, ice cream and air conditioning units have seen notable sales increases across the country during July, The Drinks Business reported on July 26.

The ongoing heat wave in Japan has killed 80 people and hospitalised 35,000 since the beginning of July.

Major brewer Kirin is already planning to ramp up its production at all of its factories across the country, and increase its low-malt output by about 20% over last year, according to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.

Meanwhile Suntory Spirits also plans to increase production of ‘chuhai’, a canned alcoholic drink, as well as its whisky and soda highballs by 15% in the two months of July and August.

The country’s beer shipments in the first half of 2018 dropped for the sixth year, due to increased retail prices but the prolonged summer heat might help stimulate sales in the coming months.

In addition, sales of air conditioners in the country rose in both June and July. Electronics company Daikin Industries will increase its air conditioner production by 10% from July to September, according to the newspaper.

Popsicles and ice creams are also moving fast at convenience stores across the country.

Beyond Japan, the UK and Germany are also suffering ongoing heat wave. Germany is reportedly running out of beer bottles as consumers turn to beer to quench their thirst.

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