Tokyo, Sept. 30 (Jiji Press)–The number of food items in Japan whose prices have been raised or are set to be raised this year stands at 20,187, surpassing 20,000 for two years in a row, a survey by Teikoku Databank Ltd. showed Wednesday. Food makers in the country plan to raise prices for 3,153 items in October, a slight decrease from 3,161 items a year before, according to the Japanese research firm. Soaring crude oil and naphtha prices due to the war in Iran and a weaker yen have pushed up food prices. Food prices are expected to remain elevated as they “remain susceptible to the Middle East situation and foreign exchange rates,” Teikoku Databank said. Prices for 1,399 beverage products will go up in October, when liquor taxes on happoshu, third-segment beer and canned “chuhai” alcoholic beverages will be raised. The retail price of a 350-milliliter can of Suntory Spirits Ltd.’s “Kinmugi,” whose category will shift from third-segment beer to beer, is expected to rise from 197 yen to 206 yen. Prices for 820 seasonings products will rise. Ebara Foods Industry Inc. will raise prices for 49 products, including seasonings. The suggested retail price of a 500-milliliter bottle of the company’s “Sukiyaki no Tare” sukiyaki sauce will rise from 475 yen to 524 yen. In November, food makers currently plan to raise prices for 1,469 items, 10 times higher than a year before. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
