Surging Demand Lifts Chicken Prices to Record High in Japan
Japanese consumers are increasingly opting for budget-friendly chicken amid ongoing inflation, but this is leading to higher prices.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has reported in a recent food price survey that the average retail cost of chicken thighs nationwide reached a record high of ¥156 per 100 grams in August. This represents a 15% increase compared to the yearly average and marks the highest price since the survey began in August 2003.
The surge in chicken prices can be attributed to a growing demand as it serves as an affordable choice amidst rising food costs. Chicken makes up nearly 40% of all chicken consumption in Japan, primarily due to its budget-friendly nature. However, the weak Japanese yen has contributed to the upward pressure on its price. Pork loin prices also hit a record high, with a ¥3 increase to ¥290 per 100 grams.
In contrast, domestically produced beef loin prices dropped by ¥34 to ¥836 per 100 grams, remaining significantly higher than chicken or pork. The survey, based on visits to 470 stores across Japan (10 stores per prefecture), calculates and publishes average prices monthly.
Written by urgent.news from Nippon.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
