Major brands under scrutiny
Japan’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into several leading ice cream manufacturers over suspected price coordination. The firms involved include Meiji, Ezaki Glico, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Akagi Nyugyo, and Morinaga.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission carried out on site inspections after concerns that these companies may have worked together to increase prices in the frozen dessert market.
Suspected price increases
Reports suggest the companies raised prices multiple times over the years. Some increases were between five and ten percent. Authorities believe these changes may not fully match the rise in raw material costs.
The investigation is focused on whether the firms coordinated these price hikes instead of acting independently.
Company responses
The companies involved have denied wrongdoing at this stage. They stated that they will fully cooperate with the investigation and respond to all regulatory requests.
Meiji confirmed it had undergone an inspection and said it takes the matter seriously. Ezaki Glico and Morinaga Milk Industry also said they are cooperating with authorities.
Market background and timing
The investigation comes at a time when Japan is experiencing extreme summer heat. Ice cream demand usually rises during this season, making the market highly competitive.
Japan has recently faced record high temperatures, which have also increased attention on food pricing and inflation pressures in everyday goods.
