Many food makers started raising prices from April 1st, citing higher labor and distribution costs.
Dairy companies such as Meiji and Morinaga have increased milk and yogurt prices by one to eight percent. Prices of ramen and fried noodles are going up by three to nine percent.
Ajinomoto is raising the prices of soup-stock products by five to 11 percent. Beverage makers such as Coca Cola Bottlers Japan and Suntory are also upping prices.
As yet it's unclear how the wholesale price hikes will reflect in retail products.
Consumers are concerned about rising food prices.
(Consumer)
"Maybe price increases can't be helped, but it means we need to cut spending on food."
◆cite引き合いに出す to mention something as an example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains an idea or situation
◆hike引き上げ informal a large increase in prices, wages, taxes etc
