Beer brewers are trying to find new ways to increase static beer sales. Japanese brewers have recently started to look beyond beer to grow their revenue with both Sapporo & Kirin Brewery making moves outside the category. Falling share prices for Sapporo, Kirin & Asahi Breweries reflect the current stagnation of the Japanese beer market. Meanwhile, closer to home, the EU market is also proving difficult for mainstream beer brewers as discounting activity takes its toll & cider proves increasingly popular. Even the mighty Scottish & Newcastle has seen its share price remain static following its recent warning that the weak consumer environment in W Europe will continue through 2007. However, all is not doom & gloom in the sector. Foster's Group has seen its share price rise by almost 21% while Carlsberg & Ambev's share prices have risen 16.99% & 11.87% respectively.
