Japan’s competition watchdog has raided some of the country’s biggest ice cream makers on suspicion of conspiring to push up prices – a sting that comes as sweltering summer temperatures send demand for frozen treats soaring.
Six firms – Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico and Akagi Nyugyo – were hit by an “on-site inspection” from the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) on Tuesday. The watchdog suspects the companies inflated ice cream prices beyond the rise in raw material costs, according to a statement from Meiji confirming the raid.
“Japan raids six major ice cream makers, including Meiji and Glico, over alleged cartel to fix prices during record summer heat.”
The JFTC itself has declined to comment, saying it would not release a statement about the investigation.
The crackdown follows a prolonged hot spell that has seen Japan coin a new term – “kokushobi”, meaning “cruelly hot” or “brutally hot” – for days that reach 40C (104F). The country endured its hottest summer on record in 2025.
According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, citing anonymous sources, the manufacturers improperly raised the prices of popular frozen desserts “several times by 5-10% over the years.” Their products are sold wholesale to supermarkets and convenience stores across the nation.
Meiji, the Hello Panda snack maker, 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.” It added: “We take this inspection very seriously and will cooperate fully with the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation.”
Pocky maker Ezaki Glico said it would “respond in good faith to the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation and cooperate fully.” Morinaga Milk also confirmed it was cooperating.
The BBC has contacted all six companies for further comment.
Japan’s competition law prohibits cartels that unreasonably restrain trade. If found guilty, the firms could face fines and criminal complaints. The investigation is still ongoing, with the JFTC yet to announce any formal charges.