The summer's record-breaking heat wave followed by a cold front with heavy snowfalls across Japan has led to a notable increase in vegetable prices. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, through a survey conducted at 470 supermarkets nationwide, has observed a surge in the prices of eight main types of vegetables. According to data collected from Dec. 23 to 25, the prices ranged from 117 % to 336 % above the five-year average. Specifically, cabbage prices escalated to 336 % of the average, marking the highest since February 2018, with a kilogram costing 453 yen ($2.80). Farm minister Taku Eto highlighted the price spike, noting that "one large cabbage head costs 1,000 yen" in Tokyo supermarkets.
Other vegetables such as lettuce and Chinese cabbage have also seen price increases, at 238 % and 195 % of the norm, respectively. The adverse weather conditions since summer have significantly affected vegetable growth and availability. In Ibaraki Prefecture, a key cabbage production area, there were reports of vegetable thefts before the harvest season ended last year. The ministry anticipates a recovery in cabbage shipment volumes by the end of January, though prices are expected to remain high. Lettuce shipments in January are predicted to be below average, maintaining elevated prices.
However, these forecasts do not account for the recent cold front's effects, which could potentially drive prices even higher. Eto emphasized the challenges faced by farmers, stating, "Farmers are unable to secure all the profits from the price increases. I would appreciate it if you could understand that farmers are struggling to make shipments."
Source: The Asahi Shimbun
