Top brewers saw earnings drop in first quarter

Kirin and Asahi announced on 9 May 2012 that their January-March results were down on a year-on-year basis, it was reported. Kirin Holdings and Asahi Group posted smaller consolidated operating profits. In most years, brewers face higher expenses in the first quarter, pouring money into promoting new products for the high-consumption summer months. However, they reduced spending on advertising and promotions last year as part of a post-disaster moderation trend.