Title: An analysis of wine consumption trends and food-related expenditures in Japan

Authors: Makiko Omura; Kensuke Ebihara; Yuka Sakurai

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan ' Faculty of Law, Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan ' Faculty of Business Administration, Momoyama Gakuin University (St. Andrew's University), Osaka, Japan

Abstract: This study examines the mechanism of an upward trend in wine consumption in Japan by analysing its trend and possible correlations with food-related consumptions. Through the panel and time-series analyses of wine consumption and food-item expenditures, and of wine consumption and food-service industry sales, we investigate whether wine consumption is correlated with food Westernisation in Japan and whether wine is gaining a firm place in Japanese daily life. Although the results are not robust, we find supporting evidence for both claims, particularly for the second claim. While on-premise consumption, particularly at reasonably priced diners, is estimated to be an important factor for growing wine consumption, there is possible evidence that home wine consumption is increasing. It is also suggested that reasonably priced wine, especially imported wine, is likely to be the key for future wine consumption in Japan.

Keywords: wine consumption trends; food-related expenditure; food Westernisation; food service industry; FSI; time-series analysis; panel analysis; Japan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2016.077563

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2016 Vol.17 No.1, pp.1 - 32

Received: 10 Sep 2014
Accepted: 22 Mar 2015
Published online: 06 Jul 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article