However, Asahi lowered its full-year forecast in anticipation of tougher competition in the second half to Y17 billion compared with its February forecast of Y22 billion. The company also reduced its sales estimate by 3.4% to Y1.42 trillion.
JAPAN: First half profits surge at Asahi
Japanese brewer, Asahi Breweries Ltd, the country's leading beer maker, recorded a more than fourfold increase in group net profits for the first half of 2002. The company posted a group net profit of Y10.72 billion ($89m) for January to June, against Y2.45 billion last year. Sales were 4.1% down at Y634.06 billion.