According to the Fukuoka branch of Teikoku Databank, nationwide sales of shochu and awamori by the top 50 companies in terms of sales volume increased 0.5% year-on-year to over ¥286 billion. Miyakonojo (Miyazaki Pref.)-based Kirishima Shuzo, distiller of the Kurokirishima brand of sweet potato shochu, led the pack for the second straight year. However, the year-on-year increase fell from 6.1% last year to a mere 0.5% this year due to poor potato crops between 2010 at 2012. Usa (Oita Pref.)-based Sanwa Shirui, maker of Iichiko brand of barley shochu, placed second, the same position it held last year, and Makurazaki (Kagoshima Pref.)- based Satsuma Shuzo ranked third, improving one spot over last year’s rankings. Although shochu sales increased ever so slightly in 2013, they were well below the 2008 peak of ¥309 billion due primarily to “increased competition from other types of alcoholic beverages”, according to analysis provided by the Fukuoka branch of Teikoku Databank. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 8/13
