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Japan sees cabbage prices soar as weather disruptions reduce harvests

Retail prices for cabbage in Japan have reached an average of $4 per kilogram, marking a 3.37-fold increase over typical levels. This surge is attributed to a decline in harvest volumes, a consequence of adverse weather conditions, as reported by an agriculture ministry survey. The data, collected over three days ending last Thursday, highlights the challenging weather patterns faced by Japan, including high summer temperatures, prolonged autumnal rains, and a recent period of low temperatures coupled with scant rainfall.

An official from the ministry has indicated that cabbage prices are anticipated to stay elevated for some time. The ripple effects of these heightened prices are becoming evident across various sectors. Salad Club, a purveyor of packaged salads, has initiated a reduction in the cabbage content of its products, decreasing the quantity from 120 grams to 100 grams per bag. This adjustment reflects the difficulties in securing sufficient cabbage supplies amid growing demand for pre-cut vegetables.

Yozo Niizuma, the head of Tokyo-based supermarket Sanyo, acknowledged the ongoing high market prices for cabbage, suggesting that a decrease in retail prices is unlikely in the near term. The price hike is also influencing consumer behavior, with noticeable shifts in dietary choices. Cookpad, a cooking recipe website, has observed a decline in searches for recipes involving cabbage, particularly in combination with "hot pot." Conversely, there has been a notable increase in searches for alternatives like hakusai (Chinese cabbage), as well as for recipes using bean sprouts, pea sprouts, and mushrooms, which have maintained stable prices due to their predominant factory-based production.

Source: The Japan Times

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