Surge in Purchase Prices
According to the corporate goods price index and consumer price index statistics released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the purchase prices of raw materials and energy for food services in Japan have maintained an upward trend into 2026.
This price surge significantly impacts South Asian restaurants, which rely heavily on imported ingredients.
Key Factors Driving the Cost Increase:
- Depreciation of the Yen: The long-term weakness of the yen directly inflates the import costs of essential commodities such as basmati rice, imported spices (cumin, coriander, etc.), and halal-certified meats.
- Export Restrictions: Supply pressures are compounded by export restrictions on specific rice varieties implemented by major producing countries in South Asia due to domestic agricultural adjustments.
- Operational & Logistics Costs: The termination of government subsidies for electricity and gas, combined with rising logistics expenses from domestic transportation labor shortages, has contributed to a higher baseline for fixed expenses.
Official data confirms that the cost-to-sales ratio for dining establishments utilizing international supply chains has experienced a measurable increase compared to previous fiscal years.
