In brief
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has conducted raids on six top ice cream manufacturers, including Meiji, Morinaga, and Ezaki Glico, over allegations of a price‑fixing cartel. Authorities suspect the firms inflated prices beyond raw material costs, a practice critics say has negatively impacted consumers during Japan’s hottest summer on record. The six companies have pledged cooperation with the investigation, but formal statements from the regulator are pending. The scandal highlights the heightened scrutiny of domestic food pricing amid rising temperatures and supply chain concerns.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) conducted on‑site inspections of six major ice cream makers, including Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Ezaki Glico, Akagi Nyugyo, and Morinaga, after allegations that they formed a cartel to inflate prices.
Authorities claim the firms raised ice cream prices multiple times by 5‑10% over the years, beyond the cost of raw materials, as Japan endures record‑setting high temperatures.
The JFTC has not yet released an official statement regarding the investigation. The companies have issued brief announcements stating they will fully cooperate with the regulator’s inquiry.
This development comes as Japan unveiled a new naming convention for days reaching 40 °C—or higher—following the most extreme summer in 2025, dubbed “kokushobi” by the media.
