Asahi Group Holdings continues to face challenges, with beer sales dropping in Japan for the second consecutive month due to the repercussions of a recent cyberattack.
Following a cyberattack that struck at the end of September, Asahi has reported another decline in domestic sales for both beer and soft drinks.
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Despite the decline in beverage sales, Asahi’s food division experienced an uptick in January, marking the first month of growth since the cyber incident.
In a concise statement released on 12 February, Asahi reported an 11% year-on-year drop in sales for “beer-type beverages” from its domestic Asahi Breweries unit. The company noted that Super Dry volumes fell by 9% compared to January 2025.
Additionally, ready-to-drink (RTD) sales plummeted by 14%, and wine sales dropped by 13%. Conversely, the sales of whiskey and spirits rose by 16%.
The Asahi Soft Drinks division, which encompasses well-known brands like Mitsuya and Calpis, recorded a 16% decline in sales.
While specific figures for the food business were not disclosed, the company confirmed a “mid-single-digit” increase in sales for that segment.
Asahi Group Holdings also mentioned that its domestic logistics operations returned to normal from this month onward, allowing for the shipment of all products except certain discontinued lines and the rollout of new products.
When the cyberattack was initially revealed in September, the company disclosed a “systems failure” that impacted production and distribution throughout its domestic operations. However, Asahi’s factories resumed operations a week later.
In November, the owner of the Peroni beer brand revealed that personal data of nearly two million individuals might have been compromised in the cyberattack.
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Key Takeaways
- Asahi Group’s beer sales declined for the second consecutive month due to a cyberattack fallout.
- Sales of “beer-type beverages” fell by 11% year-on-year in January.
- Ready-to-drink and wine sales saw notable declines of 14% and 13%, respectively.
- Whiskey and spirits sales increased by 16% during the same period.
- Sales in Asahi’s food business grew for the first time since the cyber incident.
- Domestic logistics operations have normalized, enabling product shipments and new launches.
FAQ
What caused the decline in beer sales for Asahi Group?
The decline in beer sales is primarily attributed to the repercussions of a cyberattack that affected production and distribution.
How did the food business perform in January?
Asahi’s food business recorded its first month of sales growth since the cyberattack, with a mid-single-digit increase reported.
What is the status of logistics operations at Asahi Group?
Asahi’s logistics operations have normalized, allowing for the shipment of all products except some discontinued items and new product launches.
What measures did Asahi take after the cyberattack?
Following the cyberattack, Asahi resumed factory operations and worked to restore its production and distribution systems.
