Soft drink production volume in Japan 2013-2018

The production volume of non-alcoholic beverages in Japan amounted to around 22.8 million kiloliters in 2018. This represented an increase of over two million kiloliters compared to 2013. Soft drinks produced in Japan encompass a variety of carbonated beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, juices, and the top seller RTD teas, among others.

Diversity in manufacturing

Unlike the alcoholic beverage industry and, in particular, the beer industry, the non-alcoholic beverage industry is more diverse in Japan. While large liquor manufacturers took a stake in the market, other soft drink manufacturers defended their positions in their respective segments. Ito En Co., Ltd. emerged as a major manufacturer of RTD green tea, holding almost a third of the domestic market share. Meanwhile, Kagome Co., Ltd. is a well-known manufacturer in the fruit juice segment through its Kagome brand.

Soft drinks in Japan

Bottled RTD tea and flavored water are popular refreshments included in the standard assortment of beverage vending machines in Japan. While store-based retailers remained the main distribution channel in the domestic market, the wide availability of vending machines at street corners, stations, and alleyways boosts the significance of the automated sales channel.