TOKYO -- Asahi Breweries will increase prices across the vast majority of its beverage lineup, passing on surging ingredient and packaging costs to customers in a move that could spur rivals to follow suit.
The hikes announced Tuesday, set to take effect Oct. 1, span 162 products including the flagship Asahi Super Dry beer, nonalcoholic drinks, chuhai canned cocktails and domestic whisky. Beer prices on store shelves will rise 6%-10%, while whisky is set to jump 7%-17%.
