Japan

In 2023, even though the costs of raw materials such as palm oil and soybean oil stabilised, the prices of butter and spreads in Japan increased due to the rising costs of packaging, labour, and transportation. This led to price revisions throughout…

In May 2023, the Japanese government downgraded the legal status of COVID-19 to class 5, which led to a rebound in footfall for consumer foodservice. Consumers returned to going out, and enjoyed dining out. In particular, bars/pubs, which suffered…

Currently, there are no sales of medical cannabis in Japan, although the illegal cannabis market continues to grow, along with legal CBD & other non-intoxicating cannabinoids. However, an amendment to Japan’s Cannabis Control Law was passed in…

In 2023, total volume sales of carbonates are set to decrease compared with 2022. On-trade volume sales are expected to increase thanks to a continued rebound in demand after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. However, off-trade volume sales are…

The rise in the average unit price of cat food in Japan was notably higher in 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2024, resulting in stronger volume decline, while value sales have benefited. Some of the demand in economy dry cat food has been…