Japan’s competition watchdog has raided six of the country’s biggest ice cream makers, accusing them of fixing prices even as the nation swelters through record summer temperatures. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) inspected facilities belonging to Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo on Tuesday, the companies confirmed this week.
The investigation centres on allegations that the firms formed a cartel to inflate the price of frozen desserts beyond increases in raw material costs. Japanese broadcaster NHK, citing anonymous sources, reported that the companies improperly raised prices of popular ice creams “several times by 5-10% over the years.” The brands distribute their products wholesale to supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan.
“Japan's competition watchdog raided six ice cream makers including Meiji and Glico over alleged cartel pricing amid record summer temperatures.”
Meiji, which also makes Hello Panda snacks, said in a statement: “As reported by some media outlets today, our company has been subject to an on-site inspection by the Fair Trade Commission on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act in connection with the setting of sales prices for ice cream and other products. We take this inspection very seriously and will cooperate fully with the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation.”
Ezaki Glico, the maker of Pocky sticks, added: “We will respond in good faith to the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation and cooperate fully.” Morinaga Milk Industry also confirmed it would cooperate. The JFTC itself declined to comment, saying it would not release a statement on the probe.
The raids come as Japan faces an unusually hot summer. Earlier this year, the country introduced a new term — kokushobi, meaning “cruelly hot” or “brutally hot” day — for temperatures reaching 40C (104F) or above, after 2025 recorded the hottest summer in Japan’s history. The alleged price-fixing, if proven, could mean consumers paid even more for a cooling treat during the heatwave.
The BBC has contacted the companies for further comment. As the investigation unfolds, the six firms face the prospect of steep penalties if found guilty of violating the Antimonopoly Act.