
Prices to rise for over 2,000 Japanese food items in July
Shoppers in Japan are facing yet another expensive month at the supermarket.
A survey has found that food and beverage makers plan to hike prices on over 2,000 items in July.
Private research firm Teikoku Databank says it polled 195 domestic companies.
It says prices will rise on 2,105 products in July. That's about five times the figure for the same month last year.
Seasonings will be the most heavily affected group, with 1,445 items in line for price hikes. This category includes spices and broth products.
206 alcohol and beverage items will also have their prices raised. The cost of confections, such as gum and chocolate, and processed foods including pre-cooked rice and pasta sauces will rise as well.
The research firm cites surging material prices and higher production costs as contributing factors.
Teikoku Databank expects hikes for more than 18,500 items by November. That would be nearly 50 percent more than the total for 2024.
The firm says the trend is likely to continue for some time, owing to supply instability amid abnormal weather conditions.
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