JAPAN: Asahi lines up whiskey for Russia - report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 25 June 2008

Asahi Breweries is looking to begin exporting whiskey to Russia in July, according to local reports.

The Japanese company, which owns The Nikka Whiskey Distilling Co., will join forces with Russian liquor wholesaler AST to export around ten whiskey products from Asahi's whiskey susidiary, including Yoichi and Taketsuru to the Russian market.

Asahi Breweries told Jiji Press that it expects to sell 2,000 cases this year and boost annual sales to 10,000 cases by 2010.

The company said this month that it aims to quadruple its overseas revenue to JPY200bn (US$1.86bn) within five years from JPY55.4bn in 2007 as it tries to offset declining alcohol consumption at home, the paper noted.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits

Companies: Asahi