Suntory announced on the 16th that it will switch its main third-category beer product, Kinmugi, to beer in conjunction with the October liquor tax revision, and will launch three varieties. Kinmugi with an increased malt ratio and Kinmugi with 75% less sugar will be released on October 6, while Kinmugi Rich, with a richer flavor, will be released on October 13. The estimated retail price for a 350-milliliter can is 206 yen for all varieties, a 9-yen increase from the current price. Under the October liquor tax revision, beer will see a tax cut, while third-category beer and low-malt beer will face tax hikes, unifying the tax rates for beer-like beverages. This has prompted a series of shifts to beer among various companies.
Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.Suntory is switching Kinmugi to beer, allowing a price increase of 9 yen per can due to tax revision.