Mizkan will increase prices for all 19 of its natto product lines by 6% to 20% starting June 1 [1].
The price hike reflects the growing pressure on food producers in Japan as global commodity volatility impacts both agricultural ingredients and industrial packaging.
Company officials said the rising costs of raw materials, including soybeans, are a primary driver for the adjustment [1]. Beyond the ingredients, the company said higher naphtha prices resulted from prolonged tensions in the Middle East [1, 2].
Naphtha is a critical feedstock for the production of plastics. The cost of generic synthetic resin used for packaging has risen to 30% higher than levels seen in March [2]. This surge in packaging expenses, combined with soybean inflation, has forced the company to adjust its pricing structure across its entire natto portfolio [1].
Mizkan manages 19 different natto items [1]. The price increases will be applied uniformly across these lines, with the specific percentage increase varying between 6% and 20% depending on the product [1].
The company said these changes are necessary to maintain operations amidst the current economic climate. The new pricing will take effect on the first of next month [1].
“Mizkan will increase prices for all 19 of its natto product lines by 6% to 20%.”
This price hike illustrates the 'double squeeze' facing Japanese food manufacturers: the rising cost of imported agricultural staples like soybeans and the volatility of petroleum-based derivatives. Because packaging costs are tied to naphtha prices, geopolitical instability in the Middle East is directly impacting the retail price of traditional Japanese breakfast staples.
