From Thailand to Vietnam, Asia acquires taste for buzz-lite alcohol

COVID and rising incomes fuel demand for healthier, low-proof alternatives

Men drink beer on the street in Hanoi. Vietnam is Southeast Asia's largest consumer of beer. © Reuters

JUNYA HENMI, TOMOYA ONISHI and YUICHI SHIGA, Nikkei staff writers

June 28, 2022 07:12 JST

TOKYO/HANOI/MANILA -- From Thailand to the Philippines, more drinkers across Southeast Asia are turning to less-potent beverages and even alcohol-free versions of their favorite drinks so that they can avoid the throbbing headaches and other unpleasantness that follows an evening of overindulgence.

Suntory Holdings begins producing its Horoyoi canned cocktail in Thailand on Tuesday through local unit Thai Spirit Industry. The drink, which is also popular in Japan, contains 3% alcohol.