# Beer makers suspected of price coordination

> Four major Japanese beer companies may have known about price-fixing cartel.
- Title: Beer makers suspected of price coordination · The Japan Times
- Summary: Four major Japanese beer companies may have known about price-fixing cartel. Japan's top beer makers admitted to coordinating price hikes for years.
- Keywords: asahi brewer, kirin brewery, sapporo breweries, suntory holdings, beer market, price cartel, antimonopoly act, news, politics, world, Beer, makers
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/10/companies/beer-maker-leaders-price-cartel
- Author: No Author
- Published: 2026-10-10T00:59:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: asahi brewer, kirin brewery, sapporo breweries, suntory holdings, beer market, price cartel, antimonopoly act, news, politics, world
## Beer makers suspected of price coordination
Four of japan's largest beer makers control over 90% of the market.
## Suspected price coordination
Top officials may have known about shipping price hikes among beer makers.
## Admitted to cartel
Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory officials admitted to price-fixing during investigation.
## Unofficial talks
Companies held talks after industry meetings to share shipping price increases.
## Compulsory inspection
Japan fair trade commission inspected four companies' headquarters for antimonopoly violations.
## Penalties possible
Companies could face financial surcharges and orders to prevent further violations.
## Key takeaway

Japan's top beer makers admitted to coordinating price hikes for years.