Food

Tomato Price Hike: Poor Harvest Spreads to Ketchup Prices

TOKYO, Feb 01 (News On Japan) - February is upon us, bringing with it a wave of price increases for over 1,000 food items for the first time in four months, with tomato ketchup and other processed tomato products at the forefront.

According to Teikoku Databank, the number of food items slated for a price hike next month is expected to reach 1,626, surpassing 1,000 items for the first time since October last year.

The most noticeable increases are in tomato-related products like ketchup and pasta sauces, primarily due to the global heatwave causing a significant decrease in tomato production.

Kagome will adjust the shipping prices of products such as "Kagome Tomato Ketchup" by 8% to 16% and beverages like "Kagome Tomato Juice" and "Kagome Vegetable Life 100" by 6% to 13%.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' forecast for domestic vegetable prices in February predicts higher than average prices for onions, napa cabbage, and cabbage. The increase in onion prices is attributed to reduced shipments caused by poor growth due to the heatwave.

Significant food price increases are expected in April, in response to the "2024 logistics issue," with anticipated hikes in logistics costs. "April could see a reach of 3,000 items for the first time in six months," analysts say, highlighting the impact of rising transportation costs on food prices.

Source: TBS NEWS

Severe Rice Shortage Looms in Japan

Japan is facing an unprecedented rice shortage, with recent data highlighting alarming supply-demand imbalances in the domestic market. The Agricultural Newspaper reported on January 10 that the DI (Demand-Supply Index), a measure of rice market balance, reached a record high of 80. This figure indicates a critical shortfall in rice availability, surpassing even last year's levels when supermarket shelves were emptied.

Media Scandal Deepens as Fuji TV Faces New Allegations

The resignation of popular television personality Masahiro Nakai has sent shockwaves through the Japanese entertainment industry. Announced through his agency’s website, Nakai apologized, stating, “I’m truly sorry for this sudden farewell.” His decision to retire has sparked debates over whether this marks the conclusion of ongoing controversies surrounding him and the television networks involved.

Aquarium Director Caught in Endangered Turtle Scandal

Former executives of the Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, including a former director and three others, have been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of fraudulently receiving management fees by misreporting the number of endangered turtles in their care.

Man Stabs Three Near Nagano Station

Three people were attacked near JR Nagano Station at around 8 p.m., leaving a man in his 40s in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest and two others hospitalized.

Inoue Unfazed as Title Defense Draws Near

Naoya Inoue, the unified world super bantamweight champion across four major boxing organizations, will face Kim Ye-jun, the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) 11th-ranked contender, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on January 24th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Food NEWS

Kagome Develops 'Ever Egg' - A Plant-Based Alternative

Concerns are growing over the potential for further increases in egg prices as mass culling due to avian influenza continues to affect supplies. This situation has shifted attention toward egg alternatives.

A Different Side of Tokyo Skytree: A Solamachi Food Guide + Secret Bar?

Tokyo Skytree is well worth a visit, and not just for the views. Home to a unique food scene, this is a great place to experience both traditional and modern Japanese food. (Japan by Food)

24-Hour Food Challenge: Surviving on Hokkaido's Hidden Convenience Store Delights

Join us on a delicious journey as we explore the iconic Seico Mart, the most popular convenience store chain in Hokkaido, Sapporo! In this video, we challenge ourselves to eat only Seico Mart meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day. (TabiEats)

Michelin-Star Chef's Exclusive Film Menu

Last month, Chef Kei Kobayashi, the first Asian to earn three Michelin stars in Paris, supervised dishes for the film "Grand Maison Paris." His restaurant in Paris, as well as five branded establishments in Japan, was featured in a special interview. Kobayashi proposed 20 to 30 menu items for the movie, with several dishes now being offered in Japan for a limited time, including a 5,500-yen course at his Gotemba restaurant.

Can Wagyu be Affordable? 2 Budget-Friendly Options in Tokyo!

Known for its marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, wagyu, or Japanese premium meat, is one of the most luxurious in the world. This means wagyu is typically expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. (Japan by Food)

Japanese Izakaya MUST-KNOW Table Manners & Key Phrases

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to a local izakaya. There, you'll find office workers gathering to refresh after a long workday with a cold glass of beer, groups of friends cheering to celebrate a special event, and travelers looking to make friends. (Japan by Food)

Best Pizza in Tokyo: 2 Restaurants That Might Surprise You!

Naples, Rome, New York, Chicago and… Tokyo? Little do many people know, several Tokyo pizza shops are ranked among the best not only in Asia, but in the world! (Japan by Food)

Genius Way They Harvest Tons of Expensive Tuna Fish in Japan

In this episode on Tekniq, we witness the massive operation of catching yellowtail fish, followed by the process of slicing banana trees for fish food. (TEKNIQ)

< 2 3 4 5 >