Sapporo Holdings' revenue FY 2012-2022

In fiscal year 2022, Sapporo Holdings Ltd. generated a revenue of more than 478 billion Japanese yen. Sapporo Holdings is a major beer brewing company headquartered in Tokyo, dominating the domestic market alongside competitors Asahi, Suntory, and Kirin.

History in a bottle

Established as a state-owned business and privatized in 1876, the brewery produces the oldest beer brand in Japan with the Sapporo Lager product line. After the Second World War, the company expanded its business portfolio into the food and soft drink market, which emerged as the company’s second highest revenue source in recent years.

Alcoholic beverages in Japan

While the liquor market is an integral part of the Japanese food manufacturing sector, improving health consciousness and stricter penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are impacting the market. Within the last decade, shipments within the alcoholic beverage market recorded a steady downward trend, barely reaching above three trillion Japanese yen. To cater to the trend of responsible drinking, major manufacturers introduced their inhouse non-alcoholic beer brands. However, the market growth is has been impeded as only the minority drink the alcohol-free brewed beverage on a regular basis.