JAPAN: Kirin dumps SRPs for chuchai – report

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 7 June 2006

Kirin Brewery has decided to switch to open pricing for its chuhai alcoholic beverages, according to local reports.

Nikkei Report said yesterday (6 June) that the company will abandon the suggested retail pricing system for the drink and introduce an open-pricing mechanism starting in January.

Despite all major brewers switching to open pricing for regular and low-malt beer last year, the paper said, Kirin is the first company to do so for chuchai drinks.

The change now enables retailers to set the prices for 20 of Kirin's products, including its Hyoketsu series.

In exchange for making the switch, the paper added, Kirin will abolish the incentives it awards to wholesalers on sales performance.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Kirin