Mercian Recalls 40,000 Bottles of Chilean Wine Over Unauthorized Additive

Japanese beverage company Mercian, part of the Kirin Group, has launched a voluntary recall of 40,000 bottles and cans of Chilean wine from the Japanese market after detecting the use of an additive not authorized under Japanese regulations. The affected products were produced by Chilean winery Concha y Toro and sold in Japan under the brands Frontera Sparkling Rosé in 280-milliliter cans, Frontera Ice Rosé in 280-milliliter cans, and Frontera Rosé in 750-milliliter bottles.

According to reports from Japanese media outlets including Asahi and FNN, the recall follows the identification of copper citrate during the production process in Chile. Copper citrate is used in winemaking to remove undesirable flavors associated with fermentation and storage. The additive is permitted in several countries, including Chile, in line with standards from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. However, Japanese regulations do not authorize its use in imported wines.

Mercian and Japanese authorities have stated that the copper citrate is removed during production and does not pose a health risk to consumers. No health problems related to the consumption of the affected wines have been reported. The recall was initiated as a precautionary measure to comply with domestic food safety standards.

Since the launch of these products in Japan, approximately 620,000 units have been shipped to the market. Of those, an estimated 40,000 units remain in circulation and are subject to the recall. Mercian has announced that it will offer affected customers Quo Card gift certificates as compensation for returned products.

The commercial relationship between Mercian and Concha y Toro formally began in 2014 through a joint business alliance. The partnership has played a significant role in strengthening the Chilean winery's presence in Japan, one of the most competitive imported wine markets in Asia. Concha y Toro is one of Chile's largest and most recognized wine producers, with a broad international distribution network.

The recall takes place at a time when Chilean wine exports to Japan are facing mixed results. Data from Wines of Chile indicate that at the close of last year, exports of bottled Chilean wine to Japan rose 0.4 percent in volume but declined 4.9 percent in value. Shipments reached 4.3 million cases, representing a total of $103.6 million. The average price per case fell 5.2 percent to $23.90.

Chile remains Japan's leading supplier of wine by volume, reflecting its strong position in the entry-level and value-driven segments. However, in terms of value, Chile ranks third behind France and Italy, whose wines command higher average prices. The depreciation of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar has weighed on imported wine sales, increasing retail prices and pressuring margins for distributors and retailers.

Japan's wine market has also been affected by structural changes in consumption patterns. The country's aging population and declining birthrate have reduced overall alcohol consumption. Younger adults are showing less interest in traditional alcoholic beverages and are gravitating toward low-alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives. This shift has created challenges for mid-priced wine brands, which have lost share in recent years.

The market is increasingly polarized. Premium wines from regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and California continue to perform well, supported by affluent consumers and strong brand recognition. At the same time, lower-priced wines sold through mass retail channels have maintained stable volumes due to their affordability. The middle segment has experienced the most pressure, as consumers either trade up for special occasions or trade down for everyday purchases.

For Chilean producers, Japan remains a strategic destination despite currency volatility and demographic headwinds. Free trade agreements between the two countries have historically supported competitive pricing, helping Chile secure shelf space in supermarkets and convenience stores. Maintaining regulatory compliance is essential in this environment, where food safety standards are closely monitored and consumer trust is critical.

Japanese authorities and the companies involved continue to oversee the recall process to ensure adherence to domestic regulations and to prevent disruption to trade flows. The episode underscores the complexity of navigating differing international standards for winemaking practices and the importance of alignment between production methods and import requirements in global wine commerce.