{
  "id": 12985618,
  "title": "Japanese Alcohol Makers Tap into U.S. Ready-to-Drink Market",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/japanese-alcohol-makers-tap-into-u-s-ready-to-drink-market",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-09T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nippon.com News",
    "slug": "nippon-com-news",
    "url": "https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026100600629/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese alcoholic beverage companies are expanding their reach into the expanding United States market for ready-to-drink (RTD) products, which are distinct from canned beer in Japan. Despite American consumers shifting away from alcoholic drinks due to the rising cost of living and growing health awareness, RTD beverages are gaining traction. According to IWSR, a British beverage market research company, average alcohol consumption in the United States declined by 1% annually from 2015 to 2025, with beer and wine experiencing notable drops. Conversely, RTD product consumption, predominantly canned pre-mixed drinks, surged by an average of 14% each year during the same timeframe. The surge in RTD popularity is attributed to the rise of hard seltzers, carbonated alcoholic beverages that lack the sweetness of other RTD options. IWSR President Marten Lodewijks notes that hard seltzers have resonated with U.S. consumers seeking a beer alternative.",
  "summary": "New York, Oct. 8 (Jiji Press)--Japanese alcoholic beverage makers have entered the growing U.S. market for ready-to-drink, or RTD, products, including those known as \"can chuhi\" in Japan but not canned beer. While U.S. consumers are steering away from alcohol amid the soaring cost of living and rising health consciousness, RTD beverages are increasing their presence. According to British ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese alcohol makers targeting U.S. RTD market",
    "RTD consumption in U.S. grew 14% annually (2015-2025)",
    "Hard seltzers popularized RTD trend among consumers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}