Will the content of the discussions be reported to top management? FTC investigates whether there is any organizational involvement - Person in charge admits price adjustment/beer cartel

Interviews with people involved revealed on the 9th that information about the timing and range of increases in shipping prices negotiated among the four major beer companies appears to have been reported to the top management of some of the companies.

The Fair Trade Commission will investigate whether there is any organizational involvement in this information, including whether top management was aware that each company was coordinating the information.

According to people involved, discussions about price adjustments were said to have taken place in unofficial "backroom meetings", such as after a section manager-level meeting of sales representatives at the Beer and Brewers Association, an industry group.

Representatives from each company exchanged information regarding the timing and range of price increases for each container, such as cans and bottles, regarding the shipping prices of beer, low-malt beer, and third-party beer. They also created a price list that reflected the content of the discussions. Those in charge brought the details of the discussions back to their companies, and in some companies, the information was even shared with top management.

In response to the FTC's investigation to date, representatives from several companies have reportedly given explanations admitting that they had adjusted prices.

On the 7th, the Japan Fair Trade Commission forcibly investigated the headquarters of four companies: Asahi Breweries, Kirin Breweries, Suntory Breweries, and Sapporo Breweries.

The companies' factories, local branches, and employees' homes were also searched and materials were seized. The company is also believed to be looking into whether the prices decided through discussions have been communicated to local sales offices and reflected in transactions with local wholesalers.