In brief
According to a survey by Teikoku Databank, 1,477 products from 195 manufacturers will raise prices in November, up from 150 the previous year. Seasonings topped the list with 644 items, followed by 417 beverages. The total number of food and beverage items slated for price increases this year exceeds 20,000 for the second straight year. Experts say the pace may slow next year as companies test consumer willingness to absorb higher costs.
On November 2, Xinhua reported that the prices of 1,477 food and beverage products from 195 major manufacturers in Japan are set to rise in November. The figure represents almost ten times the 150 items recorded in the same month last year, according to a survey by Japanese research company Teikoku Databank.
The survey found that seasonings—including sauces and mayonnaise—formed the largest share of price increases, with 644 items scheduled to see higher prices. The next largest group is alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages, accounting for 417 items that are slated for hikes.
Teikoku Databank said that this year's total number of food and beverage products subject to price hikes has reached 20,327, exceeding the 20,000‑plus mark for the second consecutive year. The survey covered every major food and beverage manufacturer across Japan.
In a brief statement, a Teikoku Databank official noted that the price‑pushing trend is continuing but that companies may gradually slow the pace of increases next year. They added that firms would try to pass on higher costs to consumers while carefully gauging market reactions.
The timing of the hike coincides with the national peak season for many food items, adding pressure on both producers and retailer supply chains. Some analysts say the broad scale of the hikes could influence consumer purchasing habits and shift demand toward lower‑priced alternatives.
Industry representatives from some of the surveyed manufacturers have not yet released official pricing details, but the survey suggests a coordinated effort to adjust to rising production and distribution costs. Other manufacturers have indicated that their prices will be raised in line with inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions that have been ongoing in the post‑pandemic period.
Teikoku Databank will likely publish a follow‑up report early next year to track the impact of the November price increases and to examine whether the anticipated slowdown materializes. The study will also monitor consumer response across different product categories and regions.
While the data confirms a significant rise in the number and scope of food and beverage price hikes, uncertainty remains surrounding the actual extent of the price increases, how quickly consumers will respond to the higher costs, and whether the projected slowdown in the next year will materialize as companies evaluate consumer sentiment.
