Total shipments of beer and beerlike drinks jumped 13.0 percent to 21.96 million cases in January as consumer spending showed signs of recovery, according to data released Monday by the nation's top five brewers.
The jump, representing the first increase in two months, was relatively strong because the previous year's shipments had slumped to a record low amid the stagnant economy. But this January's figure is the third-lowest for the month.
Shipments of regular beer turned up 11.3 percent to 10.95 million cases. Super Dry, the mainstay brand of Asahi Breweries Ltd., climbed 3.3 percent to 4.75 million cases.