“Ice cream cartel” under investigation over rising dessert prices across Japan

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Japan’s leading ice cream companies are under investigation after authorities suspect they illegally worked together to raise prices.

Japanese officials visited and inspected six large ice cream companies on June 16th as they continue to investigate the industry.

This action follows years of increasing ice cream costs in Japan. Major ice cream companies explain that the price hikes are due to rising expenses for ingredients, packaging, and workers.

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission suspects that executives at certain companies might have secretly collaborated to control when and by how much they raised prices.

Most price increases were small, between 5% and 10%, usually adding only a few cents to the cost of ice cream. This meant prices generally went up by around 10 to 20 yen, which is about 6 to 12 cents.

Japanese authorities raid ice cream makers

NHK reports that popular ice cream treats from Meiji and Morinaga Milk have increased in price. Both products cost around $0.87 in 2020, but now sell for about $1.12 after several price hikes.

The accusations have upset shoppers and stores alike, as customers report seeing prices go up even though they’ve been buying ice cream all year long.

They told NHK they enjoy ice cream and eat it year-round, but prices have recently gone up. They find it especially hard to resist during the summer and wish it were more affordable.

A supermarket worker told NHK that the claims would be hard to believe if they turned out to be true.

We supermarkets always strive to offer customers the lowest possible prices,” he explained. “It’s understandably concerning if there were any kind of price-fixing agreement happening.”

All six companies involved have confirmed they’re working with authorities on the investigation. Meiji said it will respond honestly, while Morinaga Milk, Lotte, Morinaga & Co., Glico, and Akagi Nyugyo each pledged their full cooperation with the JFTC.

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2026-06-17 13:50