Japan’s competition watchdog raided six of the country’s largest ice cream manufacturers this week on suspicion that they formed an illegal cartel to raise the price of frozen desserts, as the nation braces for another summer of record heat.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) conducted on-site inspections on Tuesday at Meiji, Morinaga Milk Industry, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico, and Akagi Nyugyo, according to company statements and media reports. The JFTC declined to release a statement regarding the investigation.
The companies are suspected of inflating ice cream prices beyond increases in the cost of raw materials, the BBC reported. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing anonymous sources, said the firms improperly raised prices of popular desserts “several times by 5–10% over the years.” The brands distribute their products wholesale to supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan.
Meiji, the maker of Hello Panda snacks, confirmed in a statement that it had been subject to an on-site inspection “on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act in connection with the setting of sales prices for ice cream and other products.” The company said it takes the inspection “very seriously and will cooperate fully with the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation.”
Ezaki Glico, known for its Pocky snack sticks, said: “We will respond in good faith to the Fair Trade Commission’s investigation and cooperate fully.” Morinaga Milk Industry also said in a statement that it would cooperate with the authorities.
The probe comes against the backdrop of extreme heat in Japan. The country experienced its hottest summer on record in 2025, and earlier this year the government introduced a new name — kokushobi, translated as “cruelly hot” or “brutally hot” day — for days that reach 40°C (104°F) or above.