Trump tariffs: Japan’s Suntory “will produce and try to sell locally”

Japan | President Trump’s pause in his “reciprocal tariffs” was the latest twist in a period of uncertainty for many Japanese food and beverage exporters. However, the reprieve of the 24 percent tariffs could end in less than three months, while Japanese companies still have to deal with the earlier 10 percent tariff slapped on their products entering their most important market.

Craft washing: Australian retailers are called out

Australia | It has been a longstanding complaint: Independent craft brewers are accusing the country’s two major retailers, Coles and the Endeavour Group, of craft-washing. By making their mass-produced private label beers look like indie brands, they are driving small, independent brewers out of the market, media reported on 9 April.

Rajasthan: High gravity brewing could solve summer beer supply shortages

India | Indian states not only set prices for alcohol – they also determine brewing methods. The prohibition of High Gravity Brewing (HGB) has previously led to serious supply shortages during the summer months. Now the Rajasthan government, in its fiscal 2025/2026 cycle (April 2025 to March 2026), has permitted HGB, media reported on 12 March. However, this may be too late for the peak beer drinking season between May and July.

Thailand might lift ban on afternoon alcohol sales to boost tourism

Thailand | Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the relevant authorities to examine the possibility of lifting the ban on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm and on important Buddhist religious days. The discussion weighs up the social impact of alcohol control against the economic benefits of relaxing these regulations.

Sapporo reports USD 92 billion impairment charge on Stone

Japan | Sapporo Holdings was among the first Asian brewers to spend big money on American craft breweries. In 2017, it bought San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing for USD 85 million, followed by the purchase of San Diego’s Stone Brewing in 2022 for USD 165 million. Now 3D Investment Partners, Sapporo’s largest shareholder, has criticised the Japanese firm over its execution of overseas acquisitions.

February beer tax hike could decimate Australian pubs and breweries

Australia | As of February, the cost of an average schooner of beer has risen by about AUD 1 (USD 0.62) after the government’s staggering tax on a cold one was hiked yet again. The Federal Government’s alcohol excise is linked to the inflation rate and applied to beer and spirits twice a year in February and August.

Australia’s craft brewers Hawkers and White Bay merge

Australia | Two of Australia's best-known independent brewers have joined forces to better withstand industry headwinds and financial challenges. Hawkers from Melbourne and White Bay from Sydney have merged to form the Social Drinks Group, raising AUD 1.5 million (USD 930 000) in fresh capital and appointing a new CEO.

Tim Cooper steps down after 23 years as Coopers’ Managing Director

Australia | As part of its succession planning, Dr Tim Cooper, the Managing Director of Australia’s largest family-owned beer group, Coopers Brewery, is stepping down after 23 years. On 1 March, Dr Cooper, 68, will be succeeded by Michael Shearer, currently Coopers’ General Manager. Mr Shearer is the first non-family member to run the brewery in its 163-year-long history. He will oversee the further development of the 6th generation Coopers currently working in the business.

India | Heineken’s Indian unit United Breweries will resume beer supplies to Telangana state, the company said on 20 January. It had halted supplies on 8 January, claiming the government’s delayed payments and non-approval to higher base prices since 2019/20 had rendered its beer business in Telangana unviable.

India | In an unprecedented move, Heineken’s Indian unit, United Breweries, suspended the supply of beer to the southern Indian state of Telangana, following the state's refusal to allow for price rises, which the company said had resulted in huge losses and rendered operations in Telangana unviable.