Society | Dec 23

Food prices set to surge in Japan from early '22 as wheat and oil costs skyrocket

Prices of household foods, such as flour products and cooking oil, are set to spike in Japan from early next year.

The price hikes stem from rising ingredient prices, following a global surge in demand after economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis, as well as from climbing logistics costs.

With companies unable to find ways to offset the high costs, some products have already seen prices raised, hitting consumers.

Yamazaki Baking Co. plans to raise the shipping price of its bread and pastries by an average of 7.3% from Jan. 1 next year. Nisshin Foods Inc., a unit of Nisshin Seifun Group Inc., will raise the prices of wheat flour products by around 3% to 6% and mixed flour products by around 4% to 6% from Jan. 4.

The moves come after the government in October revised up the prices at which imported wheat is sold to the private sector by 19% from six months before.

International wheat prices have skyrocketed on strong demand from China, dealing a blow to Japan — which relies on imports for 90% of its wheat.

Some food makers will also raise prices of noodles as a result.

For cooking oil, J-Oil Mills Inc. plans to raise the prices of rapeseed oil products by at least ¥40 per kilogram from Feb. 1. Cooking oil prices were already raised four times in 2021.

The production of rapeseed has decreased due to a drought in Canada, a major producer.

The climbing prices also reflect growing demand for vegetable oil, not only for food but also for use as a biofuel in decarbonization efforts.


MORE Society NEWS

Last year saw a record-breaking 1,963 prohibition orders issued in Japan under the Stalking Control Law, marking the highest number to date.

Currently, there's a rapid increase in individuals suffering from "spring fatigue." You might be affected without even realizing it.

The emergence of the Gifu butterfly, a harbinger of spring, has commenced once again this year in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture.

POPULAR NEWS

JAXA has announced the revival of the unmanned explorer "SLIM" following its successful hibernation after making Japan's first moon landing. The probe successfully endured a second lunar night, a period during which temperatures can drop to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius.

Somei Yoshino cherry trees are on the verge of full bloom in Tokyo, with forecasts indicating that the blossoms could be officially declared anytime. However, there is a risk of spring storms developing through Friday.

Seven-Eleven have extended the expiry date of its hand-rolled onigiri (rice balls), including salmon, plum, kelp, spicy cod roe, and tuna mayonnaise varieties.

The Japanese government finalized a new strategy on Wednesday aimed at the development of next-generation domestic aircraft, including initiatives for eco-friendly aviation technologies.

During a visit to Mie Prefecture, Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Japan's past at a museum within the sacred precincts of Ise Shrine on Wednesday morning.

FOLLOW US