In brief
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has raided major ice‑cream producers—Meiji, Morinaga, Lotte, Glico, Akagi and others—after allegations of a cartel that lifted prices 5–10% over recent years. The firms, which wholesale products to supermarkets and convenience stores, deny wrongdoing and pledge cooperation with authorities. The investigation comes amid an extremely hot summer, with the country recording unprecedented temperatures that could affect demand.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) recently raided a group of the country’s biggest ice‑cream makers, alleging that they were working together to raise the price of their frozen desserts.
Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo were among the companies inspected. Sources say the firms steered prices up by 5–10% each year, well beyond raw‑material cost increases.
All firms denied any wrongdoing and promised full cooperation with the investigation, with Meiji stating it would "cooperate fully" while Glico said it would respond "in good faith".
The probe comes at a time when Japan faces record‑temperature summer heat, a factor that could inflate demand for frozen treats but also prompt scrutiny of pricing practices.
The investigation reflects the JFTC’s vigilance over potential anti‑competitive behaviour as the government watches for price abuse amid extreme weather conditions.
