Middle East Crisis Hits Calbee: Japanese Snack Giant Switches to Black and White Packaging

Japanese snack manufacturer Calbee has announced a shift from colorful to black and white packaging for some of its products due to surging costs caused by Middle East tensions. On May 12, Calbee revealed that starting May 25, the company will change packaging for 14 products, including bestsellers like Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen, to black and white designs to conserve oil-related materials. Packages will carry a message stating "package to save oil-related materials" to inform consumers of the reason behind the change. The company cited ongoing uncertainties in procuring printing ink and materials due to Middle East tensions, which have caused fluctuating raw material costs and shipping expenses. Calbee decided to simplify packaging to maintain stability in production and distribution. Before announcing the measure, Calbee executives met with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture to explain the packaging changes. The ministry agreed to cooperate with relevant agencies in consulting on petroleum product procurement for the food industry. Other major Japanese food processor Itoham Yonekyu Holdings is also reportedly considering similar packaging simplification. Japanese food packaging and printing ink industry groups have disclosed that many manufacturers are limiting shipments or postponing deliveries as raw material costs continue rising due to current global conditions. Japan is allocating 10 billion dollars to help Asia cope with the oil price crisis triggered by the Iran conflict.