Japanese consumers are increasingly turning to own-label products as food prices rise, a survey has found.


According to a survey by Japanese business newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, branded sales have suffered dramatically after recent price increases prompted consumers to choose cheaper store-brand alternatives.


The survey tracked changes in the prices and sales volumes of the three top brands in 15 food categories, such as bread, milk, cup noodles and soy sauce.


All brand sales were down. Instant cup noodles branded sales volumes fell 52%, 14% and 33% for the three top-selling brands. Sales were up 60% for private-label bread and drastically down for brand names.


Japanese companies are reacting to this trend by increasing marketing and refocusing their product offerings.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Yes, we have seen brand name sales dip since the raw materials shortage pushed up prices in recent months but we are bullish about maintaining profits through better marketing and the refocusing on low-priced products,” said a spokesman for top bread maker Dai Ichya Sei Pan.