Oke torihiki (bulk sake trading between producers)

Oke torihiki (bulk sake trading) is the buying and selling of sake, mainly genshu (undiluted sake), between producers without filling it into containers for retail sale. Because these transactions are mainly carried out before liquor tax has been paid, the practice is also called "mino-zei torihiki" (tax-unpaid trading). Oke torihiki generally involves large volumes of sake. The seller is sometimes called "oke-uri" (bulk seller) and the buyer "oke-gai" (bulk buyer). This type of trade plays an important role, particularly in balancing supply and demand among producers and in maintaining the character and flavor of the sake.