Sales of alcohol-free beverages that taste like beer and wine remain on an upward trajectory as an increasing number of people are abstaining from drinking for health reasons or forgoing purchases of alcoholic drinks amid weakening consumer sentiment since the March 11 disasters.
Beverage makers have introduced a number of new products, while also seeking to expand into overseas markets.
Sales of beerlike drinks with no alcoholic content began taking off in 2009, with their sales expected to total an equivalent of some 29 million cases in 2011, marking a nearly 12-fold jump from 2008, according to Suntory Liquors Ltd. One case holds 24 250-ml bottles. (Japan Times)
Sales of alcohol-free beverages that taste like beer and wine remain on an upward trajectory as an increasing number of people are abstaining from drinking for health reasons or forgoing purchases of alcoholic drinks amid weakening consumer sentiment since the March 11 disasters.
Beverage makers have introduced a number of new products, while also seeking to expand into overseas markets.
Sales of beerlike drinks with no alcoholic content began taking off in 2009, with their sales expected to total an equivalent of some 29 million cases in 2011, marking a nearly 12-fold jump from 2008, according to Suntory Liquors Ltd. One case holds 24 250-ml bottles. (Japan Times)