In brief
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission carried out onsite inspections of six major ice‑cream producers, including Meiji, Glico, and Lotte, for alleged price‑fixing. The firms are said to have increased prices 5‑10 % over several years beyond raw‑material costs, even as the nation records its hottest summer. While the JFTC has not released details, the companies claim full cooperation. The raid underscores the tension between consumer protection and a burgeoning food industry amid escalating temperatures.
Japan’s competition watchdog has raided six of the country’s largest ice‑cream brands for alleged price‑fixing.
On Tuesday, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) carried out on‑site inspections at the factories of Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo. The investigation follows claims that the firms raised prices “several times by 5‑10 % over the years” beyond raw‑material costs.
The brands supply most of Japan’s supermarkets and convenience stores. Meiji said it “takes this inspection very seriously and will cooperate fully.” Morinaga and Glico gave similar statements.
“We will respond in good faith,” added Glico, while the Hello Panda snack maker (a Glico brand) reaffirmed its cooperation.
The raids come as a record‑hot summer has hit Japan, prompting the government to introduce the term kokushobi (“cruelly hot”) for days that reach 40 °C. The country’s 2025 summer remains the hottest on record.
Not yet released by the JFTC, the investigation is expected to shed light on whether unjustified price hikes were practiced by the confectionery industry.
We have reached out to the companies for comment and will report further developments as they emerge.
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