Asia-Pacific Sake Market Outlook, 2028

Asia-Pacific Sake Market Outlook, 2028

The Asia-Pacific region offers significant export opportunities for sake producers. As the popularity and awareness of sake continue to grow globally, there is a rising demand for high-quality and authentic sake outside of Japan. Sake producers in the Asia-Pacific region can tap into this market by expanding their export channels and catering to the preferences of international consumers. Furthermore, demand for craft sake and premium offerings is on the rise in the Asia-Pacific region. Consumers are seeking unique, small-batch, and high-quality sake varieties that offer distinct flavours and characteristics. Sake producers can capitalise on this opportunity by focusing on producing artisanal, limited-edition, and aged sake, targeting connoisseurs and enthusiasts who are willing to pay a premium for exceptional sake experiences. Moreover, sake producers in the Asia-Pacific region can explore collaboration opportunities with local beverage industries. This includes partnering with wineries, distilleries, craft breweries, or even non-alcoholic beverage producers to create hybrid products or innovative blends. These collaborations can help introduce sake to new consumer segments, enhance cross-industry innovation, and create unique offerings that differentiate sake in the market. In addition, sake tourism presents a promising opportunity for sake producers in the Asia-Pacific region. By opening their breweries for tours, tastings, and educational experiences, sake producers can attract visitors who are interested in learning about the sake-making process, experiencing the local culture, and purchasing sake directly from the source. This not only drives revenue but also promotes sake appreciation and creates brand loyalty among consumers.

According to the research report, “Asia-Pacific Sake Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to grow with 5.19% CAGR by 2023-28. The Asia-Pacific sake market has seen increased efforts to promote sake and educate consumers about its qualities and cultural significance. Sake tasting events, workshops, and festivals are organised to create awareness and showcase the diversity of sake. Additionally, sake breweries are collaborating with local restaurants and chefs to create unique experiences that highlight the harmonious relationship between sake and food. Furthermore, with the increasing focus on health and wellness, there is a growing interest in sake as a healthier alcoholic beverage option. Sake is naturally gluten-free and contains lower levels of sulfites compared to other alcoholic beverages. It is also often perceived as a clean and pure drink. Sake breweries are emphasising the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and traditional production methods to cater to health-conscious consumers. Moreover, similar to other sectors of the beverage industry, there is an increasing emphasis on sustainability and organic production methods in the sake market. Consumers are seeking sake made from organically grown rice and brewed with environmentally friendly practises. Sake breweries are adopting sustainable measures, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water usage, and implementing eco-friendly packaging. In addition, however, there is a growing number of female sake brewers in the Asia-Pacific region. Female brewers bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and attention to detail to the sake-making process. This trend not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to the diversification and evolution of sake production.

Sake has a long history in Japan, dating back over 2,000 years. Its origins can be traced to the Yayoi period (300 BC–300 AD), where it was initially used in religious ceremonies. Furthermore, sake holds significant cultural importance in Japan and is considered the national beverage. It is often enjoyed on special occasions, festivals, and ceremonies, as well as during traditional Japanese weddings and New Year's celebrations. Moreover, Japan has several renowned sake-brewing regions, each known for its distinctive styles and flavours. Some notable regions include Niigata, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hyogo (home to the famous Nada district), Yamaguchi, and Fukushima, among others. Each region has its own unique climate, water sources, and rice varieties, which contribute to the diversity of sake produced. Moreover, sake in Japan is classified based on factors such as rice polishing ratio, added alcohol content, and production methods. The classifications include Junmai (sake made only from rice, water, yeast, and koji), Honjozo (sake with added alcohol), Ginjo (sake made with rice polished to at least 60%), and Daiginjo (sake made with rice polished to at least 50%). These classifications indicate the level of rice polishing and the brewing techniques employed. In addition, sake consumption in China has been steadily increasing due to the growing interest in Japanese culture, cuisine, and beverages. The popularity of sushi and other Japanese dishes has contributed to the rise in sake consumption among Chinese consumers. Furthermore, sake festivals and events are becoming more popular in China. These events provide opportunities for consumers to explore different sake brands, learn about sake brewing processes, and experience the cultural aspects of sake. Sake tasting sessions and pairing demonstrations are often featured during these festivals.

Junmai Daiginjo sake is the highest quality and most premium category of sake. It is made from rice that has been polished to at least 50% or even lower. Junmai Daiginjo sake is brewed without the addition of distilled alcohol, emphasising the use of high-quality ingredients and meticulous brewing techniques. It is characterised by its incredibly smooth and refined flavours, delicate aromas, and clean finish. Junmai Daiginjo Sake represents the pinnacle of sake craftsmanship. Furthermore, Economic growth in the Asia Pacific region has led to increased disposable income and higher standards of living. This has resulted in an expanding middle class with greater purchasing power. As a result, consumers are willing to spend more on premium products, including Junmai Daiginjo sake, as a symbol of status, sophistication, and indulgence. In addition, Honjozo sake is made with the addition of a small amount of distilled alcohol, similar to ordinary sake. The rice used for Honjozo sake is polished to at least 70%. The addition of alcohol helps to enhance the aroma and flavours while contributing to a lighter and drier style of sake. Honjozo sake typically has a smooth and clean taste with a slightly higher alcohol content compared to Junmai sake.

On-trade refers to the distribution of sake in establishments where the beverage is consumed on-site, such as restaurants, bars, izakayas (Japanese gastropubs), and hotels. Furthermore, many Asian restaurants, especially those specialising in Japanese cuisine, offer a selection of sakes on their beverage menus. Examples include Nobu (multiple locations across Asia and the Pacific), which features an extensive sake list, and Megu (Singapore), known for its sake pairing menus. Moreover, some specialty shops focus solely on selling and promoting sake. These shops may have tasting counters and knowledgeable staff to assist customers in selecting the right sake. Examples include Sake Central (Hong Kong) and Sake Bar Ginn (Singapore). In addition, the off-trade distribution channel involves the sale of sake through retail outlets for consumption off-premises. This includes liquor stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms. Furthermore, supermarkets and hypermarkets large supermarket chains and hypermarkets across the Asia-Pacific region offer sake as part of their alcoholic beverage selection. Examples include Cold Storage (Singapore) and AEON (multiple locations across Asia Pacific), which often carry a variety of sake brands. Moreover, e-commerce platforms and online retailers have seen significant growth in the sake market. Websites and apps dedicated to selling alcoholic beverages, such as Wine Connection (multiple countries in Asia Pacific) and Sake to Go (Hong Kong), provide consumers with convenient access to a wide range of sake options.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Asia Pacific
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Countries covered in the report:
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea

Aspects covered in this report
• Asia Pacific Sake market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Types
• Junmai
• Ordinary sake
• Honjozo
• Junmai Ginjo
• Ginjo
• Junmai Daiginjo

By Age Group
• 40-60 Years Old
• 20-40 Years Old
• Above 60 Years Old

By price Range
• Low
• Premium
• Medium

By Application
• Commercial Use
• Home Use

By Distribution Channel
• On-trade
• Off-trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to ready to Sake industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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