Which Japanese alcohol brands are worth $8.1bn?
Four leading Japanese alcoholic brands are worth a combined value of US$8.1 billion and two of them are spirits – but which ones?
According to Brand Finance data from its Alcoholic Drinks 2025 report, two Japanese whiskies contributed to the billion-dollar value. They were Suntory Whisky and Nikka.
Alex Haigh, managing director Asia Pacific, Brand Finance, said: “Japan’s alcohol brands continue to strike a balance between heritage and innovation.
“Their growth in a competitive global market reflects not just product quality, but also sustained investment in brand equity and consumer engagement.
“As global tastes evolve, Japan’s drinks brands are proving they have the strength and adaptability to stay relevant at home and abroad.”
Suntory Whisky ranked 32 in Brand Finance’s Spirits 50 2025 listing.
It has moved up two places compared with the previous year’s report, after its brand value rose by 28% to US$928 million.
Furthermore, Brand Finance scored Suntory Whisky 63.8 out of 100 in its BSI (brand strength index) rating, which is determined through metrics such as marketing spend, awareness, consideration, reputation, acquisition, retention, market share, volume and price premium.
Asahi Breweries-owned Nikka was the second spirits contributor to the US$8.1bn value, worth US$566m, according to Brand Finance.
The Japanese whisky brand made its debut in the Spirits 50 2025 ranking this year in 49th place. Brand Finance credited its positioning and value to the launch of The Nikka Whisky Tokyo, an immersive flagship bar in Omotesandō in Japan, which ran from August to December 2024.
A further boost came from Nikka’s production expansion with new cask storage facilities at its Tochigi site.
Earlier this week, Diageo-owned Don Julio Tequila was named the world’s strongest spirit by Brand Finance, surpassing Moutai and Wuliangye.
Related news
Dekantā marks 10 years with 6YO Japanese whisky
