Market research
Japanese drinks group Suntory has vowed to start brewing Premium Malt's beer at its Kyushu Kumamoto factory from the start of next month, according to local reports.
Suntory currently produces the beer at its factories in Gunma, Tokyo and Kyoto.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun daily, the brewer's increased production has been prompted in view of the higher demand for beer prior to and during the New Year holidays.
The daily added that sales of the brand in Japan for 2006 are expected to exceed the company's target of 5m cases. Suntory sees Premium Malt's holding a 4.2% share of the Japanese beer market for the year, compared to a 1.7% share in 2001.
Sectors: Beer & cider
Companies: Suntory
