TOKYO – 2024 Sake Export Performance Shows Steady Growth

The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) has released its final report on 2024 sake export performance, confirming continued global expansion and increasing international recognition. The total export value for the year reached JPY 43.5 billion, reflecting a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase, with 3.45 million cases (9L equivalent) shipped to a record 80 countries. Since 2020, sake exports have grown 1.8 times in value, the average unit price has risen by 1.3 times, and the number of export destinations has expanded by 19 countries.

Regional Market Trends
By region, Asia accounted for 61% of total export value, although overall growth was slightly lower compared to the previous year. However, South Korea saw remarkable growth of 29%, with Thailand and Malaysia also showing strong performance. North America recorded a 27% increase, driven largely by sake’s expanding presence in fine-dining establishments. Meanwhile, Western Europe experienced an 18% increase YoY, growing 2.5 times over the past five years due to collaborations with the wine industry. Notably, the UK and France saw their sake imports grow by approximately threefold and 2.6 times, respectively.

Strengthening Global Awareness & Future Prospects
In 2024, JSS actively worked to enhance global awareness of sake, strengthening partnerships with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and the Union de la Sommellerie Française (UDSF). A major initiative included hosting a sake masterclass at the ASI Boot Camp in Spain, aimed at educating young sommeliers about sake culture and pairing techniques. Additionally, JSS expanded its global presence by participating in international trade fairs such as ProWein, ProWine São Paulo, and the Warsaw Wine Experience.

A major milestone for sake in December 2024 was the registration of "Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-Making with Koji Mold in Japan" as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, further boosting its global profile. Additionally, sake’s inclusion in the service task of the finals at the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East 2024 helped solidify its status among international wine and spirits professionals.

Looking ahead to 2025, JSS is focused on expanding sake’s reach into Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, aiming to accelerate export growth and further integrate sake into global fine-dining and beverage culture.