How the Asian drinks community is supporting Ukraine

Drinks companies in Japan and Hong Kong are actively supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine. Here are some of the campaigns currently underway.

Daiichi Sake Brewery in Tochigi Prefecture in Northern Japan released a “NO WAR-with Ukraine Junmai Sake”. The sales of this special edition will be donated towards supporting Ukraine after cost deduction. Priced at 1,500JPY, 300 bottles were released on 14 March and the sake quickly sold out. According to the brewery, it is now planning to release further charity bottles and has already received an overwhelming response in pre-orders.

Also in Japan, Suntory Group has donated approximately US$600,000 to humanitarian organisations such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the ongoing relief efforts to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Around US$170,000 has been allocated to WFP’s emergency operation to provide food assistance for people fleeing the conflict. It is also expected to be used to support those who have fled the country and sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Japan is offering a charity sale of Ukrainian wine in its five outlets across the country. Part of the wine sales will be donated to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for Ukrainian food support. Two Ukrainian wines will be available in the programme, namely Stakhovsky Wines Ace Merlot 2019, and Naddnipryanske from Prince Trubetskoy Winery.

Despite the Hong Kong bar industry still being under forced closure due to the covid-19 pandemic, award-winning bar The Old Man has initiated a charity sale programme to help raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Partnering with Hew Foods and Herno Gin, the bar is adding two new items, a House Gimlet (HK$300/300ml) and Herno Gin London Dry ($500/500ml) to its takeaway menu. 100% of the sales of these drinks will be transferred to humanitarian causes to help people in Ukraine.