In brief
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has raided leading ice-cream brands Meiji, Morinaga, Lotte, Ezaki Glico, and Akagi Nyugyo over allegations of a price‑fixing cartel. The firms are accused of inflating prices several times over the years by 5–10%, far above raw‑material cost hikes, even as Japan records record‑breaking heat. The companies claim cooperation, while the JFTC keeps its investigation details under wraps. The case highlights a broader push to enforce the Antimonopoly Act amid a scorching summer named “kokushobi.”
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) went after the industry’s biggest names Tuesday, raiding Meiji, Morinaga, Lotte, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo for suspected price‑fixing.
Investigators say the firms – which supply supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide – have increased their ice‑cream prices several times by 5‑10% over recent years, beyond raw‑material cost hikes. The move comes as Japan experiences record‑high temperatures – a weather event that got a new name, “kokushobi,” this year.
The companies responded quickly, with Meiji noting, “We’re cooperating fully with the investigation.” Ezaki Glico (the Hello Panda maker) and Morinaga also pledged cooperation.
Details of the JFTC’s inquiry remain confidential, but industry insiders suggest a cartel‑style scheme. The case underscores the urgency of safeguarding consumers during a scorching summer.
For more on Japan’s hot‑summer term and El Niño’s impact, see related stories linked below.
