JAPAN: Sapporo to halt sale of Fujiya soft drinks

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 30 January 2007

Japanese group Sapporo is planning to stop selling products on behalf of local soft drinks group Fujiya Co.

Sapporo Beverage, the firm's soft drinks arm, said it will halt the sale of Fujiya's products from Thursday (1 February) according to Japanese newspaper Mainichi Daily News yesterday.

The report said that Sapporo came to the decision after becoming concerned at the poor hygiene at Fujiya's factories.

Fujiya's beverage sales have reportedly slumped since separate investigations had allegedly found that Fujiya was selling confectionery using expired ingredients.

Sapporo, which signed a deal to distribute Fujiya products nine years ago, is also reported to be looking for compensation from its partner.

Mainichi Daily News said Sapporo's annual sales of Fujiya's drinks total around JPY6bn (US$49.3m), or 10% of Sapporo's soft drink sales.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Soft drinks, Water

Companies: Sapporo